Transfer news: Tottenham closing in on 'the next Luka Modric' after fee is 'agreed' for Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic

Reports in Croatia claim Dinamo Zagreb have accepted an offer for the 17-year-old though personal terms are yet to be discussed

Alen Halilovic has been labelled as the next 'Luka Modric' (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham have identified the ‘next Luka Modric’ and are reported to be closing in on a deal for Dinamo Zagreb star Alen Halilovic.

The creation midfielder was the subject of a double bid by Spurs earlier this winter when the north London club made a bid of around £17m for both Halilovic and defender Tin Jedvaj, but the latter has since joined Italian side Roma.

Halilovic became the youngest scorer in Croatian football when he scored at the age of 16 years and 112 days, and went on to make his Champions League debut a month later.

Modric made the same switch when he joined Spurs from Zagreb in 2008 for a £15m fee, and it is believed that a £12m deal is in place for Halilovic, although personal terms are yet to be agreed.

Reports in Croatia claim that the 17-year-old’s parents have concerns about a move away from Croatia so early in his career, but the success of Modric, who departed White Hart Lane for Real Madrid last summer after a hugely successful spell with Spurs, could sway his mind and lead him to join as Andre Villas-Boas’ latest signing.

The Portuguese has already secured the additions of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, Belgian winger Nacer Chadli and Spanish striker Roberto Soldado, and Spurs are also close to completing a transfer for French midfielder Etienne Capoue.