Granero would welcome Modric arrival

Esteban Granero believes the arrival of Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Modric would strengthen La Liga title holders Real Madrid.

Granero, 25, struggled to gain a regular place in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up at Real last season, and was behind Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in the pecking order for a midfield spot.

Modric looks likely to leave Tottenham Hostpur after the north London side failed to seal a Champions League spot for the coming season, with Real’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu the most likely destination for the Croatia international.

However, Granero has said he will not consider leaving the club even if former the Dinamo Zagreb playmaker arrives in the Spanish capital, and is determined to fight for his place.

“Every year great players come and great players go,” he is quoted as saying by AS.

“What is most important is that the team is strengthened.

“Improving the squad every season is complicated. They will be working hard for it, and we are always bringing in good footballers.

“I don’t know whether it will be him, someone else or nobody, but we will always welcome players that improve Real Madrid with open arms.

“I haven’t thought about leaving and I have not thought about having the same role as last season. I want to have more importance, as all players do.

“Having a greater role does not mean changing team. It can be done here and I will train hard. I hope to carve out a niche for myself. I have matured a lot over the last year.”

Granero has been at Madrid since joining as a youth team players in 1996. He spent two years at Getafe between 2007 and 2009, initially on loan, before returning to the Bernabeu.