Crouch pleads for Modric stay

Tottenham striker Peter Crouch has pleaded with in-demand midfielder Luka Modric to remain at White Hart Lane next season.

The 25-year-old has been subject to intense speculation this summer amidst interest from Chelsea.

Modric admitted he is keen to join the West London outfit, who have had two bids of £22m and £27m turned down the for the Croatian international.

Crouch, however, is hoping the reception Modric received during the clubs 2-1 win over Atletic Bilbao on Saturday will be enough to convince him that his future lies in N17.

“I think he might have been a bit concerned about which way it would go but he got a great reception,” Crouch said.

“That certainly makes it harder for him that the fans are right behind him. He knows that the fans here love him and hopefully he can stay here for as long as he can.

“He’s going off for international duty now and we were saying to him: ‘make sure we see you on Thursday’ and we hope he does.

“He is a top player. We love him at the club. He is a great lad to have about. We all want him to stay.”

Many sceptics are predicting Spurs to struggle in the race for the top four next season but Crouch believes the North London outfit already posses the quality to reach the top four once again.

“It’s amazing when you look at the other teams around us have spent. It’s a hell of a lot of money,” he said.

“I look around our dressing room though and there are a lot of players there who I wouldn’t swap for theirs.

“I still believe that we have more than enough ability. The aim has to be to get into the top four. It’s going to be difficult.

“There are some top sides up there that have strengthened but I would still put ourselves right up there with a chance.”

And the England international has been linked with a move away from Spurs this summer but the 30-year-old insists he is happy at White Hart Lane.

“There is going to be speculation about your future but I’m extremely happy at this club,” he added.