Italian agent Sabatino Durante says Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has come close to moving to Serie A several times.

Durante admits Modric does actually speak Italian

“He was close to Inter, but then Real Madrid made an offer the Nerazzurri could not match," he told TvPlay.

“He would have been happy to come to Italy because he loves the country and speaks a bit of Italian.

“I remember that [former director] Pasquale Marino wanted him at Napoli. He was told that Modric would have played at the highest levels of football. After a while, he joined Tottenham.

“I know the Croatians and I know Modric wants to stay at Madrid as long as possible and then go to the USA."