Chelsea's prime transfer target, Tottenham's Luka Modric, saw his transfer request denied by the club on Thursday, with manager Harry Redknapp stating that, We know Luka wants to leave. Writing it down on a piece of paper doesn't make much difference to our stance.

However, the Blues are understood to be encouraged by Modric's attempts to force a move and are reportedly preparing a third and final offer in excess of £30 million for the Croat. Their earlier bid - £25 million plus £2m performance related add-ons - was out-rightly rejected by their cross-town rivals.

If Tottenham do accept the offer, Modric shouldn't have too many problems agreeing personal terms as he will reportedly earn a massive £130,000-a-week in wages which gobbles up his current earnings of £45,000 per-week.

Interestingly, Modric will be playing no part in Tottenham's first pre-season friendly with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, as the 25-year-old playmaker has an ankle problem - a highly-doubted statement which Spurs insist is genuine.

Modric is currently in Johannesburg for Spurs' pre-season training, but is said to have picked up a knock during a training session.

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