Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has told Luka Modric he wants to build his team around him.
Modric is desperate to join Chelsea, who had an improved £27million bid knocked back this week after offering the player £150,000 a week.
But boss Redknapp, who will join his squad in South Africa on Sunday, insisted: "I fully expect Luka to be here at the start of the season.
"The chairman Daniel Levy has already said he does not want to sell him at any price.
"Luka is the nicest boy you could meet and he would not cause a problem to anybody.
"But Luka feels he has a chance of playing for a team who can win the Champions League. He's also been offered a lot of money.
"The chairman, though, wants to keep him and I want to build a side around Luka."
