Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has moved to play down news about the omission of in-demand midfielder Luka Modric from today’s 3-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Croatian has been subject to intense speculation regarding his future this summer as a move to Chelsea failed to materialise.

The diminutive play-maker threatened to hand in a transfer request in order to force thorugh a move to The Blues, who failed with two bid of £22m and £27m.

Redknapp, however, left Modric out of the squad due to illness and praised the players’ attitude during the on-going saga.

“Luka wasn’t feeling well. He came in yesterday and wasn’t great, he came in this morning to see the doctor and he had ulcers on the back of his throat,” Redknapp said

“He was pretty rough. The doctor rung and said no way he can play.

“Again, I can’t fault his attitude, he’s been first class. Obviously it’s been a difficult period for everybody with him. He’s trained well and worked hard. He’s a great lad and you couldn’t meet a better pro in my opinion.”

Tottenham won their penultimate pre-season fixture 3-2 courtesy of goals from defensive trio Younes Kaboul, Vedran Corluka and Jake Livermore.