Luka Modric returns to practice with Real Madrid

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has returned to practice with the Spanish club amid rumors he wants to leave for Inter Milan.

Speculation over Modric moving to the San Siro were sparked when Modric’s wife made overtures to Inter Milan management over the prospect of him looking to leave Madrid.

But, Modric — who is supposed to meet with Real president Florentino Perez today or tomorrow regarding the speculation — was in training today for the three-time defending Champions League winners.

It has been no secret that Inter is looking for another midfielder to bolster its lineup ahead of Serie A and Champions League football this season. A potential deal with Arturo Vidal fell through as the former Bayern Munich player signed with Barcelona late last week. Discussion suggests Vidal turned away from Inter once rumors of Modric started to surface.

Now, this latest news may mean little as Modric is back from vacation after helping to lead Croatia to the World Cup finals.

He may just be training prior to his meeting with Perez because of professionalism.

Of course, it could also be a shot back to Inter that Modric has no intentions of leaving Real Madrid. Perez has reportedly been working on a restructuring of Modric’s contract to make him one of the higher-paid players on the team.

Additionally, Chelsea is looking to close a deal for Mateo Kovacic — Modric’s teammate in the midfield. If that deal is struck, it would likely mean Real Madrid will need to keep Modric rather than letting him move away.

Additionally, on the midfield front, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as suitors for a last-minute deal for Inter wantaway Joao Mario. Mario has repeatedly expressed his intention to not return to Italy after a loan stint at West Ham United last season.

Tottenham had eyed Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, but reports suggest the price tag for Grealish have priced Tottenham out of interest.

If a deal is to be done, Tottenham have just two days to complete it as the Premier League transfer window closes this week.

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