Tottenham transfer focus - Cesar linked to Spurs as Modric nears exit
A silence has descended in the last few days regarding the arrival of Hugo Lloris at Spurs to be replaced by rumours about Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, as reported by the Metro.
Inter Milan are reputedly prepared to let Cesar go on a free transfer, the story stating that Spurs are interested in the 32-year-old Brazilian with a wealth of Serie A and Champions League experience behind him. The question may be why are Inter so keen to see him go. Last season, Inter could finish only sixth, outside the European places, Without the income from such matches they need to offload some of their higher earners. Cesar is reported to be on €4.5million a season. Even with a free transfer, this would put him at the higher end of the pay scale for Spurs, which Daniel Levy may find off-putting.
Last season Inter also conceded 55 goals – only the bottom five clubs conceded more in Serie A - and while arguably not helped by being behind an aging central defence in Lucio and Walter Samuel, there were doubts over Cesar’s form. In addition, Inter have signed Udinese keeper Samir Handanovic, and will not want two high earning keepers on their books. In the 2011/12 season Cesar made 85 saves in 33 Serie A games, with Lloris making 99 in 3 games more, and Brad Friedel 114 saves in 38 games.
Considering Inter’s poor goals against, this does not necessarily suggest less saves due to stronger defence, arguably rather a loss of form. The interest from Spurs could however be a leaked story by a club who are looking to move a player on, and an agent who needs to find his player a new team.
Meanwhile the protracted transfer of Luka Modric could be drawing to a conclusion. Spanish paper Marca are reporting that the Croatian playmaker will soon join Real Madrid. This is not the first time that this has been reported, however Tottenham manger André Villas-Boas stated in his press conference last week that if an offer is made that is suitable to all parties concerned, Modric can leave. Villas-Boas also said that he wanted the Modric situation resolved before Spurs depart on their U.S tour.
The report states Daniel Levy has given Madrid two options; either €40 million up front or €35 million up front with another €7 million in add-ons. Levy is noted for driving a hard bargain and if the report is true would seem to have done so again. There would undoubtedly be some more negotiating before a final figure is settled upon, but Luka Modric could finally be on his way to being a Madridista.
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