Tottenham must show ambition in order to keep the likes of Luka Modric – Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp, manager of Tottenham Hotspur

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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits the club must show ambition if it is to keep star players like Luka Modric.

Redknapp is battling to keep the influential Croatian, who has spoken of his desire to move to Chelsea to play Champions League football.

“He has a fantastic contract but maybe he sees the chance to win the Premier League and play in the Champions League,” Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

“He sees it as a big opportunity for him but we want to keep him as well, he is a top player for us.”

Chelsea have so far made two bids for the wantaway playmaker, who has submitted a written transfer request.

But Redknapp believes that Modric and players like him are vital if the club is to regain their Champions League status, having failed to qualify last season.

“We have to show the ambition to keep these players, your Lukas, your Rafael van der Vaarts, your Gareth Bales,” Redknapp admitted.

“If he Modric goes, he weakens us and if you start letting your best players go who knows where we will finish up?”

The 25-year-old has made it clear he wants to join new manager Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge, but both Redknapp and his chairman Daniel Levy have repeatedly stated that they will not sanction a sale.