Villas-Boas to assess Modrić’s mental state before Tottenham return

André Villas-Boas admits he will need to assess Luka Modrić’s state of mind before deciding when the Croatian can return to the Tottenham’s first-team should he stay at White Hart Lane this summer.

The 26-year-old missed Spurs’ pre-season tour of America, with the midfielder keen to leave north London amid interest from La Liga champions Real Madrid.

Villas-Boas insists Tottenham are yet to receive an offer that matches their valuation of the playmaker – and says he expects the midfielder to be “professional” and train with Spurs as normal until the situation is resolved.

“It’s difficult,” Villas-Boas said. “Obviously he has to pick up on his fitness but we’re talking about a player with tremendous talent.

“In a way, the most important thing is to analyse his situation as it stands at the moment.

“See how the player feels mentally to return and the fact that the club has not received any offers that are rated highly for the talent that he is.

“So I have to speak to the player and I think he will understand because he’s a good professional and one who has served Tottenham to the highest level.

“Hopefully we will get him back but if not we will continue to monitor his situation and improve on his fitness on an individual basis.”

Villas-Boas added: “He’s a professional for Tottenham and, in an ideal circumstance, he should be with the team.

“On a situation of refusal you have to also remind the player of his responsibilities towards Tottenham.

“But the player will, for sure, understand that it’s a difficult situation for him and it’s a difficult situation for us. But the level of the offers we have been having at the moment don’t reach the standard we require.”

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