Modric’s no-show for US tour angers Vilas-Boas

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has criticised midfielder Luka Modric as rumours of a departure from the club intensify.

Modric tried to quit Spurs for Chelsea a year ago under the then management of Harry Redknapp, and this summer appears keen on a switch to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that the Croatia international has failed to travel with Spurs on the tour of America – something Villas-Boas has eluded to in the Spanish press yesterday.

Speaking to AS, he is reported as saying: “I think Modric is wrong. This will go against him. He has worsened the situation with what he’s doing and now the chairman (Daniel Levy) is very angry.

“This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill.”

Villas-Boas also admitted Modric would be a major loss if he leaves Spurs.

“He’s good, very good. I tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. He will be a big loss. He’s a player who can make the difference, who gives a lot of clarity to the play when the team needs it and who can play in several positions,” he said.

Meanwhile, striker Adrian Lopez insists he is happy at Atletico Madrid and is distancing himself from media speculation linking him with a move away from the Vicente Calderon as he focuses his full attention on the upcoming Olympics.

The 24-year-old, who won the Golden Boot as Spain claimed the U21 European Championship title last summer and is part of his country’s squad for the London Games, is reportedly being looked at by a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham.

However, Lopez said he is unaware of any talks about a possible move away from Atletico, and is not looking to leave the Rojiblancos in any case.

“I’m very happy at Atletico and, as far as I know, the only negotiations that are open with the club are regarding my contract renewal. I don’t know anything more about any other offers,” he said.

Adrian joined Atletico from Deportivo La Coruna last summer and scored 18 goals in his first season with the club, helping them win the Europa League in the process.