New Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas admitted Luka Modric was looking to leave the club and revealed talks were ongoing with several interested clubs.
Modric was one of Spurs' most outstanding players last season, as the North London club finished fourth in the English Premier League. However, Chelsea's win in the Champions League final meant, Spurs lost out on a Champions League qualifying berth, which prompted Modric to head for the exit door.
The Croatian international was close to a move to Chelsea last season, ironically then coached by Villas-Boas, but chairman Daniel Levy held firm and ensured the 26-year-old would stay another year.
Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea have been heavily linked with the classy playmaker and the Portuguese coach admitted Modric was looking to move. "I think Luka is a player of tremendous importance for this club, and it has been like that since he joined the club," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News.
"The interest that we have from various different clubs shows the importance of the player and what he has done for Tottenham.
"I think it is fair to say we respect Luka's ambitions and his willingness to move on, and I think Luka respects as well that he is an important player for the club who can help us move forward.
"I think ongoing discussions with these various clubs will continue until we reach an agreement which is sensible for each party."
Asked if he thought Modric would be playing for another club next season, the 34-year-old said, it depended on all parties coming to an agreement. "The willingness is there from the player but a player of this importance is not easy to part company with.
"But I think the chairman is a person who respects the values of the football club and only with the right offer will we take that step."
Manchester United are looking at a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes, who extended his stay by one year, and Sir Alex Ferguson sees Modric as a perfect fit. However, Chelsea are also looking to strengthen their midfield, despite the arrivals of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin and the impending signing of Oscar.
Real Madrid, however, are thought to be the frontrunners with Jose Mourinho keen to bring in Modric as the Spanish giants look to defend their La Liga title and make a push for the Champions League crown.
Tottenham are asking for over £30 million ($46.5 million), and it is believed United are unwilling to pay that amount. The Old Trafford club have made a bid of £25 million ($38.8 million), with it rising to £30 million, based on appearances and success.
Another reported United target Joao Moutinho is also on Spurs' radar as a potential replacement for Modric and Villas-Boas admitted the Portuguese international was a player he is interested in. "He was one of the most important players at Euro 2012, of course. He had a fantastic tournament," the former Chelsea manager Villas-Boas.
"He is also an important player for Porto and of course counting on players of this dimension will always be interesting for us.
"It does not mean he is the only target we are looking at, but eventually if something happens he is a player we are looking at with some interest."
