Football Transfer News - Modric makes it harder for Chelsea, Manchester United

Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric after the player's agent revealed that the Croatian wouldn't hand in a transfer request.

Modric has been heavily linked with the two English giants, especially Chelsea who have had a bid of £22 million already rejected by their cross-town rivals.

The 25-year-old returned from his summer break on Wednesday for Tottenham's pre-season training, and held talks with club owner Daniel Levy. Reports suggest that the conversation was somewhat brief with Modric leaving within 30 minutes of his arrival. Levy then stated that the player was not for sale at any price.

Though it could take more than that to deflate Chelsea's pursuit, Modric's agent emerged with a dampener when he stated that his client wouldn't hand in a transfer request and that he would, in fact, honour his contract.

I don't think he'll hand in a transfer request, his agent Nikky Vuksan said. He will honour his contract.

He wants to play Champions League and win trophies. The only way we can resolve this is to sit down and talk. Luka will report today for training and will do his best, as always.

I have never been in a situation before where a player has had to fight a club and it's not something we want to do.

The only official offer so far is from Chelsea and we haven't talked to any clubs. It's no surprise that there is interest in Luka though, because he is a top, top player.