Spurs desperate to land Willian for Modric

Tottenham will make an increased bid for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian playmaker Willian as they desperately seek a replacement for Luka Modric.

A new offer is to be made to the Ukrainian club rejected an initial £11.8 million bid from Spurs, according to the Daily Mail.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy met senior officials of the club at the weekend in a bid to step up interest in Willian.

The Ukrainian outfit want a fee closer to the £20m mark but White Hart Lane chiefs are confident that a compromise can be reached, the report added.

Andre Villas-Boas has earmarked Willian as his number one target although his first choice replacement for Modric remains Joao Moutinho.

The Portuguese tactician reportedly tried to sign the 24-year-old when Chelsea manager.
 
Willian, who has won 11 caps for his country, spoke last week of a desire to quit Ukraine for the Premier League.
 
"I don't regret having come here, but I regret what's been going on with this situation. Chelsea tried to sign me, now Tottenham, so I have to rethink," he said.
 
During his time at Shakhtar, Willian has helped them to three domestic titles and UEFA Cup success since arriving from Corinthians in 2007.
 
The striker was left out of Shakhtar's squad for their league game against Karpaty on Sunday, with coach Mircea Lucescu revealing he was not in the right frame of mind.
 
"Does anyone of you believe that in his current situation his head produces thoughts in the direction of right thinking?'' Lucescu said.
 
"I wouldn't like him to play and suffer an injury today, but this could happen. He will have some rest, and then we will see what to do with him.
 
"We have a week before the transfer window closes, during which, perhaps, everything will be solved."

Tottenham are also looking at CSKA Moscow's attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev and Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele.

Spurs are also interested in Manchester United midfielder Anderson and Yann M'Vila of Rennes.

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