Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says it will be 'hard to lose' Luka Modric to Real Madrid

Luka Modric: The Croatian midfielder failed to turn up for Spurs’ team flight to the United States (Getty Images)

England goal hero Jermain Defoe admits it will be a big blow for Tottenham to lose the services of Luka Modric, who is believed to be edging closer to a move to Real Madrid.

The Croatian international is reported to be the subject of a £30million plus bid from the Spanish giants, with a deal poised to be tied up in the next 48 hours.

Modric, who has four years left of his contract, is currently training with the reserves at White Hart Lane.

Defoe, who scored England's winner against Italy in Berne last night, said: "Luka is a fantastic player. A lot has gone on. As players we don't know what's gone on.

"He's been at the club - and he's been good for the club to be honest. If he does end up going, for us it is hard to lose someone like that.

"But, for him, I would say good luck to him because he's a fantastic player."

Defoe followed up Phil Jagielka's equaliser against the Italians with a superb strike for the winner after coming on as a second half substitute.

He said: "It was nice to get on and score. It is still early days with the sharpness and my fitness.

"It is fantastic to not only play for your country but, as a forward, to score is the best feeling in the world.

"The new season has come around quickly. I had a quick break in the summer because of the European Championships.

"But I always look forward to the new season and getting off to a good start. I do feel sharp and I'm looking forward to it."

Defoe was impressed with the crop of youngsters blooded by new head coach Roy Hodgson - including his Tottenham team-mate Jake Livermore.

He said: "I think the younger lads that came in did well. Jake Livermore came on and did fantastic I thought.

"Especially playing that system (4-3-3), it was important for the midfielders to be brave and get on the ball."

Everton defender Jagielka took immense satisfaction from his first goal for his country after a frustrating summer in which he was part of the Euro 2012 squad but did not feature.

He said: "It was satisfying to be back out there for my country. When you heard a few players were going to be left to give some other people a game, I was desperate to get a starting role.

"I got 60-65 minutes under my belt but my first international goal is a massive bonus and I am now looking forward to the internationals coming up."

Jagielka was also impressed with the displays of the youngsters thrown in by Hodgson, including goalkeepers Jack Butland and John Ruddy.

He said: "People said we were struggling in the goalkeeping department not long ago and we saw two good performances.

"John (Ruddy) did especially well with a couple of saves in the second half and Jack has obviously done well in the Olympics so it is looking good.

"The squad does look very young, it makes me feel old, and it can only be good for England.

"Tom Cleverley made his debut, got in the full 90 minutes and played well, so it is all about experience.

"We have got a good batch of young lads coming through, between 20 and 23.

"Hopefully we can give them enough game time so, that when we come to the big tournaments, they can perform as well as they did against Italy."

PA