Modric transfer won’t affect us, says AVB

Andre Villas-Boas insists the Luka Modric transfer saga will not disrupt preparations for his first match in charge of Tottenham this weekend.

Real Madrid are closing in on the signature of Modric after Villas-Boas revealed yesterday that talks with the Spanish champions regarding a deal for the playmaker are progressing well.

Villas-Boas played down reports that Modric, who has been pining for a transfer to Madrid all summer, is undergoing a medical in Spain, but sounded hopeful that the player’s four-year stint at White Hart Lane would end soon.

Modric, who was fined and forced to train on his own after refusing to go on tour with Tottenham, now looks set to get his dream move after a compromise deal of just over £30million appears to be close to completion.

For the second season running, Spurs have had to deal with Modric demanding to leave the club, but Villas-Boas hopes the player’s exit will be finalised soon to leave him to concentrate on Newcastle on Saturday.

“No, this is not a distraction,” Villas-Boas said yesterday.

“We set out a plan for the player and we have stuck to it.

“The player is training individually and he doesn’t disrupt our environment.

“I think we will have a conclusion in the next couple of weeks.

Villas-Boas, who was sacked by Chelsea in March after just nine months in charge, insists he is not panicking about his striker shortage and is confident that youngster Harry Kane is now good enough to play in the Premier League.

Jermain Defoe claimed earlier this week that he would have to consider his future if he did not play regularly, but Villas-Boas calmed fears the striker, who scored a fine strike for England last night, could leave.

“I have spoken to Jermain and his agent about the situation. The talks were positive,” Villas-Boas said.

“Obviously we are looking for one more striker because we need one.

“Jermain scored 18 goals last year. He was a key player and will continue to be. That’s the expectancy I have with regards to his future.

Tottenham have been looking to sign a striker all summer, but talks with Manchester City about Emmanuel Adebayor have so far failed.

Villas-Boas remains hopeful that the Togo striker, who was on loan at White Hart Lane last year, could sign next week, however.

He said: “There are talks (with City). They have been happening for quite some time.

“We have touched on different players in that position, but we have not been able to conclude a deal.”