Chelsea must increase Modric bid – agent

Luka Modric’s agent claims Chelsea will have to up their reported £22 million bid for his client if they are to prise him away from Tottenham.

Reports on Wednesday suggested that Spurs rejected a £22 million offer for the Croatian midfielder, who starred in the club’s European and domestic campaigns last season.

Tottenham are desperate to hold on to the skilful midfielder, who manager Harry Redknapp recently described as “irreplaceable”, but there is a fear that Chelsea could return with an improved bid.

“The price that has been written greatly undervalues the price that the club values him at the moment,” Nikki Arthur Vuksan, Modric’s agent, said.

“If there has been a bid of £22 million I am not surprised that the club have rejected it. That figure is near to the fee that Spurs paid for Luka (around £16 million).”

Vuksan went on to reiterate that Modric is happy at Tottenham, but conceded that he would be willing to talk to Chelsea or any other club, should Spurs chairman Daniel Levy accept a bid for the player.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Modric, who arrived at White Hart Lane from Dinamo Zagreb three years ago.