Blues look beyond Modric

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has admitted he could be forced to look elsewhere if Tottenham refuse to budge over Luka Modric.

The Blues have already seen two bids - the second of £27million - rejected by Spurs, who insist that they are not prepared to sell the Croatia international.

Modric has made no secret of his desire to join the Stamford Bridge side and it is understood he has handed in a written transfer request to Tottenham.

Villas-Boas, who was speaking in the wake of Chelsea's 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Portsmouth, also confirmed he is considering a move for West Ham's Scott Parker.

But the Portuguese tactician claimed the West London side are already considering alternative options should they miss out on playmaker Modric and fellow midfielder Parker.

Solution

Villas-Boas said: "I prefer not to comment, but you know what the situation is, it's public.

"Spurs have a right to defend their player and property. We just have to wait."
Andre Villas-Boas Quotes of the week

"We understand the position that the club (Spurs) has taken, so at the moment we are scanning the market for everything, not just those two players (Modric and Parker).

"It is one of the positions we are looking to strengthen.

"It is just a question of finding the solution.

"If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen."

When asked whether a deal for Modric was just a matter of time, he retorted: "No, it does not depend on us.

"Spurs have a right to defend their player and property. We just have to wait.

"We respect whatever position Tottenham takes and the prices we are talking about is an incredible amount of money."

Essien

As well as a creative midfielder, Villas-Boas admitted that he would like to add a defensive midfielder to the mix after Michael Essien's injury.

The Ghana international has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury, which Villas-Boas admits came as a big blow to everybody at the club.

"Michael is a fantastic person and a fantastic individual," he said.

"He was one of the people I kept in contact with for a long time after I left and I always considered him a friend and it was a pity for him to get another injury like this.

"I think it is a big blow because of what he represents and what he represents as a person.

"Six months is a lot of time and for sure bearing in mind this was already a sector we were looking to strengthen we might need to move in the market."