Redknapp hopeful of Modric return after missing defeat

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes chairman Daniel Levy needs to have face-to-face discussions with wantaway midfielder Luka Modric before the player will focus back on his football again.

Modric missed last night’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester United after informing Redknapp he was not in the right frame of mind to play at Old Trafford where striker Danny Welbeck inspired United to a comfortable win to open their home campaign at Old Trafford.

Welbeck broke the deadlock early in the second half before his clever backheel set up Anderson for the second. Wayne Rooney added further gloss to the scoreline as United made it two wins from as many games to start the season.

But it was the claim that Croatian star Modric has effectively gone on strike in order to force through a move to Chelsea which stole the spotlight.

Redknapp would prefer to believe Modric has just got “confused” faced with the opportunity to treble his wages. However, after being told by Levy at a summer meeting he would not be sold under any circumstances, Redknapp believes clear-the-air talks are required, with a new contract to follow.

“The chairman has to sit down and have a chat with him,” said the Spurs chief. “They probably fell out a little bit over that first meeting.”