Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is pushing to join Real Madrid before the beginning of next week. The Daily Star says the Croatian international has told close friends he wants to join Real Madrid, and hopes to have a move tied up before he is due to return to pre-season training with Spurs on Monday.

Manchester United are also interested in Modric, but he would rather go to Madrid, who hope to offer Gonzalo Higuain in part- exchange.

New Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas tried to sign the Argentina striker when he was in charge at Chelsea.