Villas-Boas expecting imminent Modric conclusion

Andre Villas-Boas believes that Luka Modric will finally depart Tottenham soon and dismissed fears that the saga is distracting the club.

The Croatian's protracted move to Spain has been drawn out over much of the summer but a breakthrough appears to have been reached this week with Modric flying to Spain to discuss terms and undergo a medical with the Liga champions.

Villas-Boas also moved to reject the notion that the transfer saga had overshadowed the club's pre-season preparations.

"No, this is not a distraction," said the former Chelsea coach. "We set out a plan for the player and we have stuck to it.

"The player is training individually and he doesn't disrupt our environment. I think we will have a conclusion in the next couple of weeks.

"We expect him here to train. He is still a Tottenham player but from what the chairman has told me talks are ongoing, they stalled a little bit two weeks ago, but they have picked up recently."

The Portuguese coach also confirmed that the club had replacements in mind but also hinted he was happy with the amount of midfielders he currently has at White Hart Lane.

"Obviously we have outlined a couple of solutions," he added.

"We have made initial contact with a couple of clubs but I think before this situation is resolved we can't do anything because we already have a certain amount of players in that position."