Modric likely to remain on White Hart Lane

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Modric likely to remain on White Hart Lane

Luka Modric is no longer likely to split with Tottenham Hotspur, according to manager Harry Redknapp who has declared the player has been selected in the first squad for Sunday’s game against Manchester City.

Chelsea, who were very close to signing the Croatian, are to end the window transfer with just one big name on their side, Juan Mata whom the Blues brought earlier this week. Andre Villas Boas is thus expected to handle the situation in the middle by counting on the same Anelka, Lampard, Ramires and Malouda.

Spurs are firm though regarding Modric’s situation. “He’ll be playing on Sunday for sure. I think there was a meeting. Daniel just said the same thing, he’s not for sale. It’s been difficult for him but we want him to stay and he will stay. He’ll train tomorrow and Saturday and should be fit for Sunday,” said manager Redknapp.

Juan Mata, who made his first training with the Stamford Bridge side two days ago, is expected to fight for his place although the Portuguese manager was keen to add yet another offensive midfielder to his side with Modric among the main priorities.

Chelsea have spent around 50 million pounds so far this window transfer, having brought Barcelona’s Oriol Romelu, Genk keeper Thibaut Courtois, who was already loaned to Atletico Madrid, and Romelo Lukaku. Mata thus remains the only important deal for Chelsea, who hunted even FC Porto Falcao at one point.

The Blues sold Yuri Zhirkov to Anzhi Makhachkala, but also Slobodan Rajkovic who joined Hamburg this week. As for Spurs, they have added Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor for a one year loan deal and against his wish to stay in Premier League. The Togolese wanted to stay with Real Madrid which he had signed earlier this year, but who did not make a clear offer.

Adebayor, who also scored eight goals for Jose Mourinho’s side, is now likely to play alongside Peter Crouch and Van der Vaart at the White Hart Lane.  He has become the third player to sign Redknapp’s squad after Brad Friedel, Souleymane Coulibaly and Cristian Ceballos.

They also sold Robbie Kean to LA Galaxy and loaned Jonathan Obika to Yeovil. Chelsea courted Modric for over a month, and are likely to wait until the winter window for another move. The Blues have won four points so far this season, sitting sixth in the standings. They beat West Bromwich Albion and drew Stoke City. Next up for them are newly promoted Norwich City.

Boas’ side have also been drawn a tough group in UEFA Champions League as the Blues are to meet Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Genk with the first game scheduled on September 13 when they meet Michael Ballack’s new side.

Tottenham had a poor debut as Redknapp’s side were thwarted 0-3 by champions Manchester United. The Spurs are to meet City on Sunday at the White Hart Lane. They are also following a clear success in the Europa League play-offs where the Londoners crashed Hearts 5-0 to secure a group stage spot.

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