Modrić to make Spurs move
Saturday, April 26, 2008
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Croatian midfield sensation Luka Modrić has agreed to join English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur FC from NK Dinamo Zagreb for a reported €21m fee.
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Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has agreed terms to join Tottenham Hotspur FC, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
'Delighted'
The 22-year-old, who is one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe, will join Spurs from NK Dinamo Zagreb during the post-season transfer window providing he passes a medical and obtains a work permit. "The club is delighted to announce that it has reached agreement with Dinamo Zagreb for the transfer of Croatian midfielder, Luka Modrić," Tottenham said in a statement. "Personal terms have been agreed with the player and he will now undertake a medical and apply for a work permit."
'Big club'
Modrić has scored three times in 24 games for Croatia and was a key player for coach Slaven Bilić during his country's successful UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign. Now in his third full season for Dinamo, who were crowned Croatian champions two weeks ago, the Zadar-born youngster said he was delighted to join Tottenham. "I feel relieved," he said. "I am happy everything is finally over and that I will play for a club as big as Tottenham."
'Very happy'
Tottenham are reported to have offered €21m for the attacking midfielder who has agreed terms on a five-year deal until 2013. "You can never be sure where you will end up until all the negotiations are done," Modrić added. "I'm very happy that a coach like [Juande] Ramos wants me. I don't know what number I will wear, but I know that my biggest derby matches will be against Eduardo's Arsenal [FC]."
Major coup
Croatia coach Slaven Bilić added: "Tottenham are definitely one of the clubs that would suit Luka Modrić the most. I would say that maybe it is the ideal choice for him. Tottenham are a big club, they want to make a step forward and Luka will fit in very quickly." The transfer is a major coup for Tottenham, who have beaten off interest from a host of clubs, including Newcastle United FC, for his signature. Tottenham, who are eleventh in the Premier League, will play in the UEFA Cup next season after winning the English League Cup in February.