Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is taking the reigns in their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric. The Daily Mail says Mourinho has himself taken charge of negotiations with Tottenham in a bid to clinch a deal for Modric.

The Real Madrid boss knows White Hart Lane chairman Daniel Levy personally and hopes this will be decisive in bringing an end to the transfer saga.

The former Chelsea boss struck up a relationship with Levy when the Spurs chief tried to convince him to take over in north London.

But the chairman has a reputation as a fierce negotiator and is unlikely to do the Portuguese many favours.