Villas-Boas coy on improved Modric bid

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS yesterday hinted Chelsea would not be held to ransom over Luka Modric as he continued to explore alternatives to the club’s number one transfer target.

Recent days have seen the first signs of Tottenham’s resolve weakening with boss Harry Redknapp admitting it might be in his side’s interests to sell the Croatia playmaker and spend the fee on strengthening their squad.

Chelsea have this summer seen bids of £22 million and £27m rejected for the 25-year-old, who Spurs chairman Daniel Levy continues to maintain is not available at any price.