Tottenham coach Les Ferdinand concedes they face another battle to keep hold of midfielder Luka Modric. Chelsea tried to lure Modric, 26, to Stamford Bridge last year.

And with a number of big clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, linked with Tottenham's prized assets, Ferdinand has told fans to expect another agonising close season.

He said: "The Champions League is the competition everybody wants to play in.

"The chairman has got his work cut out to persuade the boys to have another season here and have another go at it."