Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric has admitted he is keen on a move to London rivals Chelsea.
The 25-year-old put in some superb performances in the Spurs midfield last season and was awarded the Spurs Player of the Year.
However, despite manager Harry Redknapp claiming the Croatian international isn’t for sale, the diminutive playmaker insists he wants move to the Blues.
“I want to leave Tottenham as friends. I have enjoyed my time there, but now it is right for me to look at another club,” Modric said.
“I have an arrangement with the chairman. When I signed my new contract, he said that, if another club came to sign me, they would consider the offer.
“Chelsea are a big club with an ambitious owner. They have great players and they have ambitions to fight for the title and win the Champions League.
“I want to stay in London. I am very happy here and so are my family. I like the city.”
The news that Modric wants to stay in London will all but rule out moves to Manchester United and Manchester City, both of which were said to be keen on signing the player.
“This is not about money, it is about ambition. When I came to England, I was dreaming about winning titles. That is still the same,” the Croat added.
“Tottenham are a big club, with good players and a good manager, but I want to fight for the championship. Spurs will always have a place in my heart.
“My experiences in the Champions League have left me with the desire for more.
“I don’t want to have an argument with Tottenham. I need to talk with the chairman. I won’t ask for a transfer, no. That would be disrespectful.”
The news will come as a bitter blow to Redknapp who was hoping to build a team around Modric.
However, with the player publicly stating his desire to leave, the club will have little choice but to cash in on their star asset.
Spurs may as well for a player in exchange with Didier Drogba mooted as a possible make-weight in any deal.
The Ivorian looks set to leave Chelsea this summer with rumours rife that 18-year-old Belgian Romelu Lukaku, dubbed the new Drogba, set to arrive during the transfer window.