Luka Modric has been named in the Real Madrid squad for the UEFA Super Cup final against Atletico despite continued uncertainty over his future.
Modric was the main image on the Real Madrid official website as the squad arrived in Tallinn – the Estonian capital – on Monday night ahead of the rival clash on Wednesday.
Modric remains a target for Inter Milan but Sky in Italy report the chances of Real president Florentino Perez letting Modric leave for the Nerazzurri are decreasing.
The will of the Croatian, has not changed and he continues to want the switch to Inter, and will maintain this position with Real and Perez until the Serie A window closes on August 17.
Inter, therefore, have not given up hope of landing the 32-year-old playmaker and are willing to wait until deadline day to do so, according to sources in Italy.
Sources in Italy also understand Real are continuing to monitor the situation surrounding Lazio midfielder Sergei Milinkovic-Savic as a potential replacement.
Modric’s agent has confirmed the Real Madrid star is likely to play in Italy “sooner or later”. Modric has been heavily linked with a move away from Real Madrid over the past few weeks, with Inter Milan the most likely destination.
The 32-year-old, who reached the World Cup final with Croatia earlier this summer, could leave the Bernabeu next year for a transfer fee or Los Blancos risk losing him for free when his contract runs out in 2020.
Recent reports have suggested that while Inter have been trying their best to clinch a deal, it is thought that he has signed a new deal with Real.
However, the midfielder’s agent, Marko Naletilic, believes it is only a matter of time before Modric makes the switch to Inter.
“For whatever reason, Modric wants to be a star in Serie A with Inter,” Naletilic said.
“Let’s see. I believe that sooner or later Luka will play in Italy.
“Like a lot of Croatians his age, he grew up watching Italian football.”
Naletilic also revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has also played a role in convincing Modric that he should head to Serie A, adding: “The fact Inter Milan tried to sign him and Modric took it into consideration shows the influence Cristiano Ronaldo is already having on Italian football.”
As things stand, only Gareth Bale is paid more than Modric and his contract supposedly sees him pocket around £350,000-a-week after tax.Real Madrid have already let Mateo Kovacic leave and join Chelsea on a season-long loan.
And while Modric’s wealth of experience would be invaluable for Inter, who are trying to make their mark again in European football, it would represent a bitter blow for Real. Inter boss Luciano Spalletti hasn’t concealed the fact he’s interested in signing Modric.
Real are already monitoring Milinkovic-Savic’s situation at Lazio. The Serbia midfielder has been on Manchester United and Chelsea’s radar this summer but Lazio are demanding big bucks for the 23-year-old.
Juventus and now AC Milan are also said to be keen on the midfielder. But Real Madrid’s presence in the running could stoke up a bidding war for the £100m ace. Madrid are wary of losing Modric so close to selling Ronaldo and Julen Lopetegui already has to do with a depleted midfield following the departure of Mateo Kovacic to Chelsea. But Modric’s agent has made his position clear.
“The fact Inter Milan tried to sign him and Modric took it into consideration shows the influence Cristiano Ronaldo is already having on Italian football,” he told Tuttosport.
“For whatever reason, Modric wants to be a star in Serie A with Inter. Let’s see. I believe that sooner or later Luka will play in Italy. Like a lot of Croatians his age, he grew up watching Italian football.”