Spurs Get Modric But Keegan's Upbeat
By Tyne-Talk
April 26 2008
So Luka Modric appears to have signed for Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Newcastle United for a fee which seems to be unclear to the media depending on whether it was in Euros or Sterling. Either way they will be pleased to obtain another quick moving fast paced, player to partner Berbatov & enhance the chances of keeping him at the club by proving their ambition & which direction they wish to go in.
Keegan had previously made no secret of his admiration for the 22 year old Croatian International.
He said:
"If you had a list of the midfield players around Europe who Newcastle could possibly attract, Luka Modric would be one of them.
I think he would be pretty much on everyone else's list as well because he is a fantastic prospect.
If you look at the midfield players who have a fantastic future, he would be one of them. But every other club in the league, from Arsenal and Manchester United, would like Modric."
It is said Newcastle had a bid turned down for approximately 18.5million in favour of Spurs 20million (including add-ons), though whether that be Euros or Pounds Sterling is unclear.
Dinamo Zagreb vice-president Zdravko Mamic had previously told The Sun that they intended to draw Newcastle United into a bidding war as they believed the price on offer to be too low.
He said:
"We have received an offer from Newcastle. But we are not satisfied with this offer and have told them so. They are quite shocked. I've told them to raise it a little. They should be afraid that we will start an auction. Spurs are begging us to show them an offer - as they will then bid more."
Keegan isn't quite so down beat about the situation. Prior to the news being announced that Spurs had signed the midfielder he said:
"We can offer more than most. After the top four, I would back us against anyone. In recent weeks the players have shown we don't need six or seven new faces. We have quality. Now we just need some top-notch players."