Bilic: Modric close to Spanish switch

Tottenham ace Luka Modric is set to sign for a top Spanish La Liga side, according to one of the midfielder's Croatia team-mates.

Modric

English Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea were thought to be leading the race to sign the highly-rated Croatia international, but it now appears that Spain is his next destination.

"I'm very good friends with Modric," Croatia striker Mate Bilic said in the Daily Mail.

"He wants to play in the Spanish league. He loves the Premier League but he wants to play in Spain. He's very close to agreeing a move."

Bilic's comments are likely to intensify speculation linking Modric to Real Madrid or Barcelona, although the player has insisted he will not make any decision over his future until after this summer's European Championship. Croatia can guarantee a place in the knockout round of Euro 2012 if they beat Spain on Monday in their final Group C clash.

Former Madrid hero Davor Suker recently claimed that his fellow countryman would be a hit at the Bernabeu should he decided to leave White Hart Lane in the summer.

"Luka Modric is a player who could play for Real Madrid. He needs to be playing for a team that will win trophies," Suker said.

"He'd be perfect for them.‘I would recommend that Florentino Perez signs him. If he doesn't sign for Real Madrid, he'll end up at Manchester City or Chelsea. He has to leave Tottenham to win trophies."

Tottenham are thought to value Modric at around £35million.

ESPNSTAR