Luka Modric would be excellent Chelsea signing says Ray Wilkins

Pa
Friday 17 June 2011 05:38 EDT
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Modric has been the subject of a Chelsea bid
Modric has been the subject of a Chelsea bid (GETTY IMAGES)

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Luka Modric would be a perfect addition to the Chelsea squad if they manage to sign the Croatia midfielder from Tottenham, according to the Blues' former assistant manager Ray Wilkins.

Chelsea made their first move to acquire the services of the 25-year-old late on Wednesday night but their bid, believed to be in the region of £22million, has been derided by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

However, Wilkins reckons Modric has all the attributes to fit straight into the set-up at Stamford Bridge.

"Modric is a player of immense quality that everyone with finance would want to buy. His craft and work ethic are brilliant," he said.

"He would fit in at Chelsea with no problem at all because he is a class player and he would be joining fellow class footballers.

"The consistency he has shown as a foreign player coming to the Premier League has been exceptional. He and (Manchester United's former goalkeeper Edwin) Van der Sar were the best two players in the league last year."

Any potential transfer still seems some way off as Redknapp's valuation of his key midfield asset is much higher than Chelsea's opening offer and he told BBC Sport: "If there has been a bid of £22million, that is ridiculous. There are people being sold for £20million who are not fit to lace Luka's boots."

Earlier this month Modric told a Croatian newspaper that he was happy at Spurs but would be open to a move if the club altered their stance and chose to sell him.

"If an offer comes which is good for Tottenham and for me also, then a transfer is possible," said Modric, who attempted to quash rumours linking him with Manchester United by signing a new deal last year.

His consistently high-level performances for Spurs last season played a huge role in helping the club reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has already moved to assure fans that key players like Modric and Wales winger Gareth Bale do not have to be sold, despite the club's failure to finish in the top four.

Spurs will now be bracing themselves for a second bid for Modric from Chelsea, who are looking to strengthen their midfield next term.

Frank Lampard turns 33 next week and struggled with injury last term while the likes of Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel failed to find consistent form.

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