Modric hands in Spurs transfer request

Luka Modric last night stepped up his bid to leave Tottenham by submitting a transfer request.

Sources close to the player claim he informed the club in writing of his intention to leave after arriving in South Africa, where Spurs have begun their pre-season tour.

The White Hart Lane club have already rejected bids of £22million and £27m from Chelsea.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is adamant Modric will not be sold at any price, but may be forced to back down as the player pushes hard for a move.

Relations between the Croatian and Levy have broken down, with the player claiming the chairman reneged on a deal to sell him if a bigger club made an offer.