Harry Redknapp: Luka Modric asked not to play against Manchester City two hours before kick-off

Modric has made it clear that he wants to join Chelsea and, with a final £40million bid expected within the next 48 hours, he arrived at White Hart Lane and informed his manager that he did not want to play.

Redknapp was taken aback by the request as Modric had made himself available on Saturday morning and he duly told the Croatia international that he was needed.