Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has pleaded with Luka Modric to stay with Spurs while urging chairman Daniel Levy to match the players ambitions.
Modric stated his intention to leave Spurs over the weekend after Chelsea had a bid of £22m rejected.
Redknapp has now urged Levy to help him bolster the squad capable of winning silverware and challenging for major honours.
“I think we have to show him our ambition, which we will do,” Redknapp said.
“If we can add one or two good players to our squad there’s no reason we can’t have another great season.
“So Tottenham could be a great club for him to stay with for the next few years. That’s what we’re hoping for.”
“Chelsea are not the only club that have been in for him. There have been other clubs – top, top clubs.
“But if Tottenham are looking to go anywhere we can’t be selling Luka. We have to do something to keep him at the club.
“We can’t afford to sell Luka Modric if we want to be a successful club.”
On Modric, Redknapp added.”He’s a fantastic lad. You’ll never meet a better lad than Luka. I suppose he’s seen a massive contract and the chance to win the Premier League and play in the Champions League and that’s what he wanted.
“But we want that as well. We want to get back in the Champions League and we need him to help us do that.
“If Daniel’s saying no he really can’t be seen to be going back on that now. He’s made a very strong statement. I wouldn’t see Daniel backtracking on that at any price.”