Real Madrid are set to step up their efforts to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric, reports El Economista.
The Croatian is understood to have been fined by Spurs this week for his refusal to join the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, with his representatives due to meet Madrid officials on Tuesday to try and close a deal.
Modric’s stance has forced the London outfit’s hierarchy to accept that the 26-year-old’s future lies away from White Hart Lane, although they will have to reduce their Є45m asking fee while Real President Florentino Perez remains unwilling to go above €35m.
Nonetheless, according to AS, Spurs could have an alternative up their sleeve to lower the price as they are thought to be keen on some of Los Blancos’ younger stars, and could even ask for either of strikers Joselu and Jese Rodriguez in part-exchange.
In Jese’s case, his departure is extremely unlikely after an impressive showing at the recent European Under-19 Championships, when he was the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals. However, 22-year-old Joselu has still not made a League appearance for the first team and may be a more feasible solution.
