Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui plays down Luka Modric transfer chances amid Inter interest

Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui has insisted his club have no intention of selling Luka Modric this summer.

Modric, who starred for Croatia in their run to the World Cup final, winning the Golden Ball, has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan this summer.

However, Madrid president Florentino Perez has already put off any potential suitors by claiming Modric would cost €750m to lure away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

And now, new Madrid boss Lopetegui has also had his say on Modric – insisting the midfielder will not be leaving.

“I think the president said it, I don’t think there’s much more to add,” he told reporters (via FourFourTwo).

“He’s made it concise and clear. Luka Modric is an extraordinary player and we’re waiting for him with open arms

“I talked to Modric after the great World Cup that he had. We will see him when we get back on August 8 and we’ll see if he is available on the 15th in our first key match.

“What I told him is ultimately private but what I feel is that he’s a player that I love watching and I’m thrilled to have him and ultimately I think he’ll be very happy to be on the team.

“He is our player… We’ve been able to enjoy watching him play and we will continue to enjoy watching him.”

In the Croatian’s absence, Madrid beat Juventus 3-1 on Saturday thanks to a goal from Gareth Bale and two from Marco Asensio.

Los Blancos’ have one more pre-season friendly next week, against Roma on Wednesday.

Madrid then taken on rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 15.

Luka Modric’s Real career

Signing from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric did not get off to the best start, being named as the worst signing of the year by Marca fans.

However, since then the Croatian midfielder has built a reputation as one of the best playmakers in the World and is vital at the heart of the Madrid team.

Modric has played 257 times for Real Madrid across all competitions, scoring 13 and recording 40 assists. The former Spurs man has also won La Liga and the Copa del Rey once each as well as four Champions League trophies.

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