Harry Redknapp has suggested that it might be better to sell Modric to Chelsea and reinvest the money on the squad. This opens up two issues, for me. Firstly, should Redknapp be censured by Levy for constantly discussing Spurs' transfer targets, attempted sales and problems shifting squad players, as well as undermining Levy's stance that the Croatian playmaker isn't for sale? Secondly, if we were to sell Modric to Chelsea, what would be an acceptable price, possibly including players in part-exchange and who would you want to replace him? This whole thing has dragged on for ages now and Levy either needs to tell Redknapp to stop talking about it and draw a line under the whole saga or bite the bullet and get the best deal that he can, so that we can move on. Allowing the manager and his staff to make statements that contradict his official stance just makes him look weak and makes it appear that there are divisions in the camp.
Harry stirs the pot once again, now he is talking of adding four players if Modric goes to Chelsea. How does this square with reducing the squad. Surely we don't need four players we need to keep Modric and add 1 top striker. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/18/redknapp-modric-sale-tottenham
It is strange that Harry is undermining the stance of Levy. It is very clear to me now that the people saying Redknapp would prefer to sell an unhappy player are correct. Reluctantly I have come round to thinking this might be the best plan. In Niko and VDV, we have players that can play in Modric's position and enable us to play 2 up front. Trouble is (when fit) I am not sure we need many players. Another striker - assuming Adebayor is on his way - would be good to go along with Defoe (who I think will have a good season) and a backup right wing would be welcome. People often say we need a central defender, but King, Gallas, Dawson, Kaboul, Bassong are as good as any around. Perhaps someone to challenge Benny, but Rose did a good job, or another left wing if he sees Bale moving back there? In centre midfield we would have Niko, VDV, Hudd, Sandro, Livermore. It would be some player to improve on those? So if Modric goes, only really top, top players should be considered. Otherwise leave alone.
if Levy sells Modric he will look weak, He should censure Harry.also what sort of message does that send out to the likes of Bale &vdv,and of course the Fans,& the chavs will be wumming this board for years
We all know Harry can't help but blab to the media every 15 minutes but something about this strikes me as a bit strange. I mean surely even Harry knows that was a stupid thing to say? I have a worrying feeling Levy knew about this and might be looking to sell on the basis that 'Arry wants to get rid. I would not be happy about this regardless of the fee and if we sell him for less than £40mill plus one of their better players(ie not Benayoun), I'm going to be very angry. Everything that's happened so far suggests that Chelsea do not value him at anywhere near that and with the way they have behaved I do not think that we should be giving in and letting them have our best player on the cheap.
"We all love our club, but if someone comes along who offers to treble your wages and could win the Champions League, then it's not easy," he said. "He's had his head turned. I want to see him here at the start of the year, but if he goes then you get three or four players [in]. They're your options: get the money and get four players and, in all honesty, have a better team, or keep Luka, who is a fantastic player." That is a direct quote from Harry according to the Guardian. Either Harry and Levy are playing a clever game of bluff & double bluff. OR Harry is looking like a very naive nuiscance atm.
I'm sure 'Arry will be on SSN within the hour if he didn't say it. It's been quite widely reported so far.
It's in inverted commas ie a direct quote. The Guardian does not have a history making up quotes and in the present climate would be hardly likely to indulge in such practices. I would give it more weight than the tabloids, which is why I joined this debate.
This will no doubt provide more evidence to Modric that there is a possibility of a move. Where's his head going to be at now? Why can't Harry be like most intelligent managers and simply say" we are not selling" ( even if its not true) instead of trying to disrupt the team. Levy must be fuming. This,coupled with rumours of a strained relationship between the two will give the papers another angle to attack Spurs. Don't be surprised to see Ancelotti's name linked with us sooner rather than later.
To be fair, if it's cited as a direct quote it normally is otherwise it's very easy for the paper in question to get in trouble. Normally it's a 'source' close to the club or some other nonsense when it is a fake story.
I agree with Schteff above. Even Harry wouldn't blab like this if Levy was determined to keep the player. Unless they are at war over it behind the scenes, I would suggest it is orchestrated by the pair of them tofind a way to sell.
I can well believe Harry said it and he probably believes it. What I think (hope) he means is that we could use the Modric money to strenghthen the squad in four other places (by implication selling four players and buying four better ones). It is very late to be doing business like that though, particular as we can't even seem to sell the current surplus players as it is. Harry's statements are never self-consistent over time so I don't much mind what he says and doesn't say, in truth. Results seem to suggest that his ability as a coach far exceeds his ability as a spokesman and player trader.
I think harry has handled it all really well. He hasnt made any digs at us like other managers probably would have done and he is being realistic in what is happening. I think he understands that he would rather the deal happen quickly if it is to happen so he can buy some new players.
i still don't think Modric will go,it's not up to harry as Levy handle's the Buying & selling,and he's not selling according to him
according to the Mirror Harry said he wany's to see Modric still here when the window closes.does'nt sound like he wants to sell to me
I think it's high time that Harry & Levy sat down and sorted out the Hymn sheet that they're both supposed to be singing from. Also, to my mind, Levy especially, is going to look pretty silly if he goes ahead and sells Modric to the Chavs, now, after all his rhetoric. I agree that if you have a player who is totally unsettled, and is doing "a Berbatov" then there's no choice but to sell. That doesn't seem to be the case, as far as we know, with Modric. If Modric is prepared to accept the situation, then WTF are we doing?? What message is all this sending to other players? and to possibles like Adebayor. What a ****-up. Why can't Redknapp just keep his mouth shut for 5 mins. If he has a problem - take it to Levy - not the bloody press!!!
