Luka Modric lays out ambitions for Premier League return – but it’s bad news for Newcastle
Arsenal v Newcastle United: Match in Pictures
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is reportedly open to a Premier League return – but he has ruled out joining Newcastle or his former club Tottenham.
Modric joined the La Liga giants over nine years ago in a £30million transfer from Spurs and has amassed over 400 appearances for Los Blanco.
The Croatian midfielder’s current deal is up in the summer and negotiations over fresh terms have stalled due to Real’s policy of only offering one-year extensions for players over 30.
That stance has irked Modric; who is now open to an exit from Spain amid interest from a clutch of Europe’s top clubs.
JUST IN: Leicester chiefs draw up Rodgers contingency plan amid Man Utd links
According to SuperDeporte, Modric believes he’s still an important player for Madrid and is dismayed with their decision to stick with their contract policy.
As a result, the 36-year-old would be open to returning to England, but he would only be interested in linking up with Manchester City due to their network of clubs.
Modric is reportedly enticed by the prospect of another stint in England before seeing out his career in America with City’s sister club, New York City.
Although it remains to be seen if City would be interested in a potential move, Modric’s preference is set to leave both Newcastle and Tottenham disappointed.
MUST READ
Man Utd board’s shortlist of replacements after Solskjaer sacking
Joe Cole explains why Leicester will be ‘peeved’ with Rodgers
Brighton boss Potter fumes at own supporters after Leeds draw
Newcastle are desperate to land some marquee signings following their £305m takeover earlier this year and had earmarked Modric as an elite addition to aid their fight for Premier League survival.
Spurs were also keen on a romantic reunion with the silky playmaker almost a decade after his departure. Modric was a huge hit with fans during his four-year spell at the club.
Both have kept an eager eye on Modric’s contract situation in the hope of being able to strike a deal; although they will have to revise their transfer plans in the wake of this latest update.
Follow our new Daily Express Sport Instagram page here
https://www.instagram.com/
Modric may now be open to a move due to the contract wrangle, but Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to keep the veteran at the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti, like Modric, still sees the midfielder as a pivotal player for the Spanish giants.
The playmaker’s situation is strikingly similar to that of Sergio Ramos, who departed Madrid this summer to link up with Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s beginning to look inevitable that Modric will follow in the footsteps of Ramos by making a high-profile exit at the end of his deal – whether it’s a popular decision with the player or not.
Source: Read Full Article