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Spurs setback as Barcelona look set to move for ‘new Modric’

| 03.03.2014

Tottenham’s hopes of securing the signature of highly-rated Dinamo Zagreb youth star Alen Halilovic look to have been all but ended amid reports that the Croatian has opted to sign for La Liga giants Barcelona this summer.

The Lilywhites were one of a number of clubs keen on landing the midfielder, who has won rave reviews in his homeland following a series of impressive performances for both club and country that have seen him labelled “the new Luka Modric”.

Spurs had been hoping that the aforementioned midfielder’s ties to the north London club would play a part in luring the youngster to the Premier League outfit.

But negotiations are believed to have hit a stumbling block early on amid concerns expressed by both the player and his father, who also acts as his agent, that playing time would be limited at the club.

It was a reportedly a similar story with Bayern Munich, who were also keen to bolster their midfield options with the acquisition of the 17-year-old, but ultimately were unable to make any kind of assurances about the amount of first-team action he would see at the Allianz Arena.

Any question marks over his future now look to have been put to bed though with Halilovic taking to his Instagram account to announce plans of a move to Barcelona come the end of the current campaign.

Using the account halil9999 the player posted an image of himself alongside the crests of both Dinamo and the Catalan club, alongside the message: “Thanks Dinamo Zagreb for everything!!My first club and biggest love!!Now is time to move on to Barcelona.”

The announcement is a blow to Tottenham, who are continuing to chase a top four finish in the Premier League, something they can be backed to do at 5/1 with Ladbrokes.

With manager Tim Sherwood keen to improve his squad following a stuttering domestic season, more ins and outs are expected over the summer at White Hart Lane.

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Author

Jack Beresford

Jack Beresford is a content writer with over five years of experience in writing about sport and betting, including a two-year spell with Axonn Media. Contributes articles to HereIsTheCity and Lad Bible, while previous credits include Bwin, FTB Pro, Bleacher Report and the QBE rugby. Avid follower of tennis, rugby union, motorsport and football, Jack also writes about poker for Cardspiel.com alongside Guardian journalist Dominic Wells.