Villas-Boas wants Modric saga resolved

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas hopes for a swift resolution over the future of midfielder Luka Modric after revealing the player had returned to training.

Villas-Boas also confirmed the club had taken action against Modric who returned to training on Monday while the first team are on tour in the United States.

Modric has been fined for missing training amid speculation of a move away, with Real Madrid thought to be the favourites for the midfielder’s signature.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “The club can confirm Luka Modric has returned to training at Spurs Lodge. The coaching staff will now determine the remainder of his pre-season preparation.”

Modric has stated his desire to leave the north London club this summer, having remained faithful to them last season after widespread interest – including from Chelsea, then managed by current Spurs boss Villas-Boas.

Tottenham are willing to sell Modric at the right price, but reports said they are looking for a fee nearer to £40m than the widely-reported figure of £35m.

Manchester United and Paris St Germain are also reported to be interested in the 26-year-old.

Villas-Boas said: “Hopefully, the situation does not drag on because it doesn’t help Luka and it doesn’t help to solve in any way the situation.

“The situation is not dependent on Tottenham, it is dependent on the clubs who are interested in the player.

“It’s the first time Luka has taken these actions. The chairman and myself have been very open with the situation by saying we are willing to listen to offers for the player, which is uncommon.

“He has had many (expressions of) interest in the past, like last year, but he has always behaved professionally. We never doubt his human qualities but the club has to take action regarding a player who is missing on club duty and that’s what we are doing.

“We have to hold on to our values and our rights and at the moment, the situation for Luka is that he is under club discipline.”