Tottenham reject £40m Luka Modric bid from Chelsea

Tottenham yesterday turned down a £40million bid from Chelsea for wantaway midfielder Luka Modric, according to manager Harry Redknapp.

The Croatia international has been the subject of intense speculation this summer linking him with a move away from north London.

Such talk was fuelled further by the player himself after Modric admitted he would like to leave White Hart Lane for pastures new, preferably Stamford Bridge.

As a result, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy issued a statement insisting Modric was not for sale at any price and Redknapp has confirmed the midfielder will be staying put.

"The chairman stood firm over Luka," he told Sky Sports News. "I think £40million was apparently offered yesterday. Whether that is true or not, it is what I heard.

"It is a big offer to turn down, that's for sure. I am delighted the little man is still here and hopefully he will have a great season for us."

Asked whether he will be able to get his head straight, Redknapp added: "Yeah, for sure. He has got two international games this week. There's good competition.

"Sandro is getting fit, Scott Parker has arrived, Tom Huddlestone. We've got good players in the middle of the park so we're looking forward to it now."