Modric has gone AWOL to force through his move to Real Madrid

MODRIC ANNOYS VILLAS-BOAS

New Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has hit out at wantaway midfielder Luka Modric.

The club are ready to fine the Croatian £80,000 after he failed to travel with his team-mates on their pre-season tour of America.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Villas-Boas reportedly said: “I think Modric is wrong. This will go against him. He has worsened the situation with what he’s doing and now the chairman [Daniel Levy] is very angry.

“This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill.”

Modric tried to quit White Hart Lane for Chelsea a year ago and this summer appears keen on forcing through a switch to the Spanish champions Real Madrid.

UNITED IN BOX SEAT FOR VAN PERSIE

Manchester United are in prime position to sign Robin van Persie, with the player reported to prefer a move to Old Trafford than across the city to the Etihad Stadium.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday that the Red Devils were in the market for the 28-year old striker, and had already seen a bid, believed to be around £15million, turned down by the Gunners.

However, this latest revelation has strengthened United’s chances of landing the Dutchman, with Ferguson set to submit an improved offer next week, but not the £30million Arsenal are demanding .

VLAAR VILLA MOVE OFF

Holland international Ron Vlaar has confirmed his transfer to Aston Villa is off despite talks with Villa boss Paul Lambert.

Vlaar travelled to the Midlands last week to discuss a deal, later confirming that it would be ‘a dream come true’ to join the Premier League side.

But Feyenoord have not received any further contact from Villa and boss Ronald Koeman has set a deadline of Monday for Lambert and the Villa Park club to make a decision over the 27-year-old centre-half.

With no approach in sight, Vlaar is now resigned to staying in Holland for the time being.

“Feyenoord is in my heart and I have been through a lot here,” Vlaar said. “I think the chance I will move to Aston Villa is not so big anymore. I don’t want to be kept on a leash, so a transfer is off for now.”

LIVERPOOL CHASE BARCA STAR

Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu is being tracked by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds have shown an interest in taking the Spain Under-19 striker on a permanent deal, with QPR also looking at the possibility of a loan move for the player.

New Barca boss Tito Vilanova is still undecided on Deulofeu’s future but is leaning towards loaning him to give him a chance of progressing with first-team football.

The Catalan giants would demand around £7.5million if they were to sell, and Liverpool would be keen to do business at that price.

ON THE CONTINENT

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala have rubbished reports linking them with a swoop for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

Atletico Madrid have agreed to release Brazilian midfielder Paulo Assuncao from his contract so can return home and join Sao Paolo.

Midfielder Alain Traore has left Auxerre to join fellow French side Lorient on a four-year deal.

OTHER NEWS

Premier League new boys Southampton have agreed a fee with Rangers for midfielder Steven Davis.

Manchester United’s Chris Smalling is out for 10 weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken metatarsal.

Gareth Southgate is to leave the Football Association and does not want to be considered for the role of FA technical director.