Redknapp rubbishes Modric-Torres swap rumours

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has denied speculation linking the club with a move for Fernando Torres in exchange for Luka Modric.

Chelsea are rumoured to still be interested in signing the Croatian after having several bids for him before the 2011/12 campaign, but English Premier League rivals Spurs are reluctant to let such a vital player leave as they chase a top-four finish.

Torres has scored just four times this season and has been linked with a cut-price exit from the club, less than a year after joining Chelsea for 50 million pounds from Liverpool.

Redknapp, however, has rubbished rumours of a move to White Hart Lane.

“No I have never heard that one,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I think Torres is starting to look the player that we all know he can be, the player he was at Liverpool – he is a top player, no doubt that about it.”

“But there is no way he is coming to Tottenham and no swap deal in the offing for Luka Modric. I think they will get the best out of him.”

Modric has been a key player for Tottenham since joining from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008 and the Spurs boss is confident that a new deal can be agreed for the Croatian international.

“I don’t know where they are but hopefully the chairman will come to agreement and he signs a new contract. He has got a long contract anyway,” he said.

Redknapp saw his side held 1-1 at home by Wolves on Saturday, and confirmed after the match that he would be travelling to France to watch long-term Spurs target Loic Remy during Marseilles’ Ligue 1 clash with Lille on Sunday.

“I am off to watch Marseille, I am going to go and have a look at him (Remy). We have had reports – I watched him 18-months, two years ago. I doubt anything will come of it but we are looking,” he said.