Tottenham star keen on exit with Champions League football denied

Chelsea’s Champions League victory on Saturday means that fourth-placed Tottenham will now miss out on the competition next year, and Luka Modric is set to quit the club in light of this.

Spurs’ playmaker-in-chief, Modric has enjoyed a terrific season after initially handing in a pre-season transfer request, and is desperate to showcase his talents in Europe’s elite tournament.

With Tottenham now ineligible to take part though, a rich list of potential suitors has emanated for the midfielder’s services.

Real Madrid are the latest to express an interest in the pint-size schemer, joining European champions Chelsea, along with Manchester United and Premier League winners Manchester City.

Despite Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s vow to try his hardest to hang on to the club’s top stars, retaining Modric for the upcoming camaign could prove a bridge too far.

Safe in the knowledge he could earn way more than the £40,000 a week he is on at White Hart Lane, the Croatian looks set to attempt to force his exit from the club this summer.

Ominous-sounding comments to BBC Sport appear to indicate the player’s intentions, as he stated, “I will decide about my future after the Euros. I will make the decision where to continue my career. I’m ready for the big tests.”

Modric was the subject of a rejected £40million bid from Chelsea last year, but it could prove more difficult to keep him at the club this time round, with the financial might of each interested club far superior to Tottenham’s.

Spurs must also now hope that a Modric transfer request doesn’t spark a chain reaction amongst their squad, who are thought to be devastated by the prospect of Europa League football next term.

Gareth Bale had hinted before Saturday that he may consider his future if Champions League status wasn’t obtained, and so Harry Redknapp may have a big rebuilding job on his hands this summer.