Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has told Manchester United that they would be wasting their time if they tried to sign Luka Modric.
The Croatia international has been linked with a £25million move to Old Trafford, with reports claiming that Spurs are lining up unsettled Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole as a replacement.
But with Tottenham preparing to participate in next season’s Champions League ,Redknapp does not want to lose core members of his squad.
“There’s no chance of it happening at all. Luka’s key to everything that’s happening at this place,” Redknapp said in The Sun.
“Everybody knows what I think of him. And if you want to move on to higher levels you don’t start flogging off your best players – to anyone.”
Modric told Hotspur, Tottenham’s official magazine: “I thought at the time, ‘this is a big thing for us’. If we qualify for the group stages of the Champions League I’m sure this club will go on to another level.”
Meanwhile, Redknapp has ruled out a move for Manchester City’s Stephen Ireland, due to the strength in depth of the Spurs midfield.
“Stephen is undoubtedly a very good player but we have a lot of players who can fill that position. I like him but he won’t be a target,” he said.
Bolton’sGary Cahill is another player who Redknapp will not be pursuing.
He said: “I like the player, always have. But I am very happy with my defence.
“Michael Dawson and Ledley King have shown what they are all about by forcing their way into the England squad.
“I have an excellent squad and – I stress – Luka Modric is going to remain a part of it.”
