Latest news with #Modric
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Luka Modric 'considering shock move to British club' as midfielder prepares to leave Real Madrid
Luka Modric could be set for a surprise move as his time at Real Madrid comes to an end. After 13 years at Real, Modric will leave following the Club World Cup this summer. The 39-year-old was given an emotional send off by Real Madrid fans last weekend following his final home appearance for the club. Modric was clapped off the pitch in the 87th minute of his side's victory against Real Sociedad. At present it is unclear what the Croatia star's next move will be. However, it has now been claimed that he could make a switch that not many people were expecting. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Modric could head to the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. Davide Ancelotti left his position as Real Madrid assistant boss after his father Carlo took charge of the Brazil national team. Although Davide Ancelotti will be part of the Brazil coaching staff for their World Cup qualifiers away to Ecuador and at home to Hungary, he could subsequently take up his first job as a club manager. Ancelotti's potential destination could be Rangers, with the 35-year-old having held talks with the club last week. There have been suggestions that if he is appointed then Ancelotti could bring Modric with him to Rangers. During his time at Real Modric has made 591 appearances, while he has scored 43 goals and has provided 95 assists. While at Real Modric won six Champions Leagues, four LaLiga titles, two Copa del Reys and five Club World Cups.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Every player linked with Swansea City so far and the chances of them signing rated
Every player linked with Swansea City so far and the chances of them signing rated A number of players have been linked with the Swans this summer Tottenham defender Ben Davies has been linked with Leeds United but a return to Swansea looks unlikely (Image: Getty Images ) The transfer window isn't even open yet, but the blades of the rumour mill are nevertheless starting to whir ahead of what promises to be an important summer for Swansea City. Bobby Wales and Zeidane Inoussa have both been brought on board already to complement the arrival of Melker Widell, who will finally link up with the squad after signing in January. But there's clearly more to do before the new season gets under way, and a number of players have already been tipped as possible targets. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone Here's a quick run down on the player that have been linked with the Swans so far. Luka Modric Despite his involvement in the club as a minority stakeholder, the prospect of the Croatian puling on a Swansea shirt any time soon is something of a pie-in-the-sky fantasy right now. Modric is certainly keen on extending his career, and had indeed hoped to land another year at Real Madrid. His release from the Bernabeu doesn't appear to have changed that, with next summer's World Cup in North America now seemingly earmarked as his last dance as a player. A move to MLS has been mooted, with reports in Spain claiming that David Beckham's Inter Miami are particularly keen. Saudi Arabia could potentially be another destination, while a move to Rangers, who are seemingly eyeing up a move to make Modric's former Real colleague Davide Ancelotti their next manager, hasn't been ruled out. South Wales, however, doesn't appear to be on the agenda - not as a player anyway. Ben Davies Similar to Modric in that it's a link largely based on collective hope rather than actual substance. The defender's future at Tottenham feels uncertain heading into the summer window, with the current Wales captain set to become a free agent next month. Then again, our colleagues at Football London have previously reported that Spurs are set to activate the option for another 12 months. However, nothing has yet been confirmed, which has allowed speculation around the 32-year-old to intensify in recent weeks, and caused some members of the Jack Army to dream of an emotional reunion. The chances of that coming to fruition, however, look very slim indeed, and have been roundly dismissed by club insiders. Sources have told WalesOnline that Saudi Arabia could potentially be an option should Davies end up leaving north London, while reports elsewhere have linked the likes of Leeds United as possible admirers. Oli McBurnie A return that perhaps has a little more substance - although it seems a lot that would need to happen for it to get over the line. McBurnie is one of several names currently being assessed by Swansea's recruitment team ahead of the summer window, but that seems to be as far as their interest has gone at this stage. At the time of writing, there's no offer on the table for the 28-year-old, who's become a free agent due to the terms of his contract with Las Palmas following their relegation from La Liga. Hull City have also been touted as possible admirers of McBurnie, who was a big fans' favourite during his first stint at Swansea, after scoring 26 goals in 62 appearances. There are likely to be others in the mix following news of his release, but in terms of Swansea, there's an acceptance that the main stumbling block could well be the finances involved. Ricardo Santos A name that's cropped up a couple of times in reports elsewhere this summer. According to Football League World, Swansea have made a contract offer to the 29-year-old, who's to leave Bolton Wanderers this summer following the expiration of his deal there. They also claim Sheffield Wednesday have made similar moves to sign the centre-back. Club insiders have played down those suggestions to WalesOnline, but a move hasn't been ruled out. From a financial point of view at least, it could well make some sense. Gora Diouf The latest name to be linked. French outlet Foot Mercato claims Swans are among a clutch of clubs chasing the highly-rated centre-back. Diouf has caught plenty of attention following a strong season for Swiss side FC Sion, and the suggestion is the 21-year-old is attracting interest from Turkey, France, and indeed elsewhere in Switzerland. Clubs in the Championship too have been touted. As well as the Swans, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United have also been credited with interest, and that level of competition alone could prove problematic to any hopes of a move to south Wales. Carlton Morris The striker was touted as a possible target on social media by fansite Only Swans. They said at the time that the Swans had launched an enquiry into the availability of the 29-year-old, who worked with current boss Sheehan during their time at Luton together. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Morris netted eight goals in the Championship last season, and was part of the Hatters side that won promotion to the Premier League two years prior. However, WalesOnline understands Morris is not considered a serious target for the club at this time. Ethan Erhahon Swansea had a bid knocked back by Lincoln City for the midfielder knocked back earlier this month - and it seems unlikely they'll be back to the table. Article continues below Lincoln's valuation of the Scotland under-21 international was seemingly beyond what Swansea were willing to pay, and with several other clubs also believed to be taking an interest, there was some unease at getting involved in what the hierarchy felt could develop into a bidding war. As such, it's understood they've now moved on to other targets.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Real Madrid to Rangers transfer that 'definitely' could be on as another idea spawns from Modric bombshell
Modric to Rangers looks pie in the sky for a number of reasons but could a former Real teammate be on the way? There are about 200,000 reasons (per week) that Luka Modric to Rangers looks like pie in the sky stuff – despite top Spanish journalist Guillen Balague teasing it earlier today. But the man inside that bombshell story reckons a deal for one cast-out Real Madrid teammate could 'definitely' be on. It was claimed by Balague in a BBC column earlier today that Modric was asked the question by Ibrox manager target Davide Ancelotti and 'didn't say no.' Conclusions from that were naturally drawn, but the man who dangled the carrot argues his wider point wasn't to suggest it might actually be on, but to demonstrate the pull that Carlo's son and long-term No .2 could bring with him to Rangers. We caught up with him in the aftermath of the story on everyone's lips and asked a few follow-up questions. And while he knows the astronomical salaries of Real's current squad – Modric alone earns around £200k per week – make any move to Ibrox imminent, there was one who he thought could 'definitely' be an option. Our man Scott McDermott asked about out-of-contract defender Jesus Vallejo, who barely featured last season and is out of contract this summer. And when asked whether he'd be a possibility, Balague said: "Definitely. But he hasn't played at all for Real Madrid and I don't know the level of players Rangers are looking at. "Someone like him would be more likely than Lucas Vazquez, for example. But Lucas is in his 30's so who knows?" Lucas Vazquez, you say? The long-serving utility man was clearly a name on Balague's mind and he touched on the subject when explaining the Modric story that swept the headlines. On Modric, Balague said: "I know Davide asked Luka and he didn't say yes or no. Listen, it's Luka Modric, so it's unlikely. But this is more a point about the capacity Davide Ancelotti has to link up with big names. "Also, there are players he knows who have asked him to take them to Rangers. Now, if they are Real Madrid players - and I'm assuming they are - it would be impossible because some of the wages would be astronomical. "I'm thinking about someone like Lucas Vazquez, for example. You would think the wages for someone like him would make it impossible for Rangers. But it's funny that - knowing what's happening - they're asking Davide." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
What really happened when Luka Modric was asked about Rangers by Davide Ancelotti from man inside the story
It's the story of the day and Guillem Balague knows for a fact what really happened when Modric was asked about Rangers The sight of Luka Modric at Ibrox next season is highly unlikely. But the man who teased Rangers fans with the very possibility, Guillem Balague, says it tells them just how well connected their prospective new gaffer is. Davide Ancelotti is now clear favourite again to land the gig as Philippe Clement's successor in Govan. The Croatian midfield magician is leaving the Bernabeu for pastures new but it's doubtful that he'll end up in Glasgow. Even so, Balague believes it's an example of Ancelotti's pulling power within the game. That's why Rangers have the Italian at the top of their wanted list this summer ahead of their US takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. Balague - who is currently writing a book on Aston Villa and their boss Unai Emery, 'Rise of the Villains', says Ancelotti is ready to become one of Europe's top coaches. And the 35-year-old has already impressed Ibrox chiefs with a presentation and vision for the future. But he believes Ibrox chiefs have to move fast if they want to get their man. Record Sport caught up with Balague and quizzed him on the current situation with Rangers and Ancelotti. You've teased the Rangers support by suggesting Modric could end up at Ibrox. How genuine was that? Balague: Everyone will go further with it. But I know Davide asked Luka and he didn't say yes or no. Listen, it's Luka Modric, so it's unlikely. But this is more a point about the capacity Davide Ancelotti has to link up with big names. Also, there are players he knows who have asked him to take them to Rangers. Now, if they are Real Madrid players - and I'm assuming they are - it would be impossible because some of the wages would be astronomical. I'm thinking about someone like Lucas Vazquez, for example. You would think the wages for someone like him would make it impossible for Rangers. But it's funny that - knowing what's happening - they're asking Davide. Where do you expect Modric to go? Balague: The MLS potentially. But he feels he can still do it at Champions League level. Look, he's going to be 40 soon so I don't think he'll have lots of offers. But he doesn't want to go into retirement so he feels it might be too early for the MLS. Does this prove how tight a relationship Modric and Ancelotti Jnr have? Balague: Oh yeah. The Real Madrid players love Davide. They all think that without him, Carlo wouldn't have won as much. David has tried to modernise - and put a little bit of order and foundation - into a club that doesn't normally go for that. It hasn't been easy for him at Real Madrid but he's got it all in his head, in terms of exactly what he wants. His dad has put a culture of work and development into him. I'm doing a book on Emery and Aston Villa and it's like that. Davide wants to work. Could you understand scepticism about Ancelotti initially with people saying he only got jobs because of his dad? Balague: No, not at all. World class players wouldn't accept that. Rangers wouldn't go for someone like that, either. But when someone like Davide comes in with the presentation that he's supposed to have put on, when he talks about so much detail - it's very impressive. He's going to be a top coach, there's no doubt about that. So his first choice of job is going to be very important. But how big a job would Rangers be for his first gig, given the intensity of the Old Firm? Balague: The fact that he's considering it means it doesn't faze him. Davide has seen, heard and experienced as big a noise as Ibrox at Bayern, Napoli, AC Milan, Real Madrid. He wasn't the guy taking the decisions on the touchline but he's felt it. He wanted to leave last summer but it didn't feel right having won everything. But now is his time. How quickly do Rangers need to act if they don't want to risk losing out on him? Balague: Yes, because imagine if you're Davide and you have three clubs wanting you. If Rangers take another week or 10 days, he's going to go in another direction. Timing and momentum in these things are important. It feels like they're on the same wavelength right now so just say yes. If it's one more meeting, let's hope they go for it. It feels close.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Rangers manager update could see Luka Modric's future take fresh twist
Rangers manager update could see Luka Modric's future take fresh twist Events in Glasgow could potentially have an impact on Modric's next move Davide Ancelotti served as assistant to his father since 2021 Davide Ancelotti, the new front-runner to take over at Rangers, has reportedly asked Luka Modric to join him at Ibrox. The Scottish giants are likely to step up their search for a new manager, having sacked previous boss Philippe Clement earlier this year. Our colleagues at Record Sport recently revealed that US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, the man at the heart of the San Francisco 49ers-backed takeover, was set to meet Ancelotti, the son of outgoing Real Madrid boss Carlo, and former Swansea City boss Russell Martin over the coming days. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone It seems the club could now be on the verge of confirming an appointment, with Ancelotti now believed to be the club's first choice. Ancelotti Junior has spent the last four years as assistant to his father at Real, but appears set to make his own way as a head coach in his own right, with RB Leipzig tipped as another potential destination. According to the BBC, however, the Italian has already told players at Real Madrid about the possibility of taking the reins in the blue half of Glasgow, including out-of-contract star Luka Modric. It's claimed he asked the Croatian if "he'd fancy coming to Rangers and he didn't say no". Modric bid an emotional farewell to Real last weekend, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden 13-year career. He departs the Bernabeu as the most decorated player in the club's history, and had previously hoped to stay for another year before his release was confirmed. The 39-year-old's next move has already been the subject of intense speculation, with reports in Spain strongly linking the midfielder with a move to David Beckham and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Saudi Arabia has also been mentioned as a possible destination in some quarters, while Swansea fans might well be dreaming of a sensational move to SA1 given his involvement in the club. Modric recently purchased a minority stake in the Championship side, and has already volunteered to offer his expertise wherever needed. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Indeed, new signing Zeidane Inoussa revealed he had spoken to the 2018 Ballon D'or winner shortly before signing, and it's understood he has already consulted with other potential new recruits. But while he's already having a strong impact on the club, the chances of him finishing off his playing career in south Wales appear remote. Reports elsewhere suggested Modric was set to buy a new property in the Swansea area, which only further fuelled suggestions of a sensational move. Article continues below However, sources have indicated to WalesOnline that those reports are wide of the mark at this stage.
