Orlando Pirates 1 Tottenham 1: Modric captains Spurs but plans new transfer request

By SAMI MOKBEL, CHIEF FOOTBALL REPORTER
Updated: 16:56 EST, 19 July 2011

Luka Modric pulled on a Spurs shirt again on Tuesday night, but is still planning to resubmit his transfer request in an attempt to get away from White Hart Lane.

Modric captained Tottenham in a 1-1 draw in South Africa against Orlando Pirates but intends to speak to Harry Redknapp in the next 24 hours and follow that up with a written letter to chairman Daniel Levy.

Modric is frustrated that his original transfer request has been rejected by Spurs and will clarify his position in a fresh letter to Levy, once he explains his actions to Redknapp.

Captain Fantastic: Wantaway midfielder Luka Modric led Tottenham in their draw with Orlando Pirates

Tottenham fans were delighted to see Modric in their colours again as the club continued their pre-season build-up. But sources in Croatia claim that his wife Vanja will oversee redelivery of his request.

Sportsmail understands Modric still wants a move to Chelsea, but played last night out of respect for the coaching staff.

The Croatia midfielder missed Saturday’s defeat against Kaizer Chiefs to protect the ankle injury that dogged him towards the end of last season.

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Brad Friedel made his first appearance in the Tottenham goal since his move from Aston Villa but all eyes were on Modric as the saga over his protracted move to Stamford Bridge rumbled on. And to his credit he didn’t put a foot wrong in the 60 minutes he played.

The classy midfielder hardly broke sweat as he strolled through the opening period at the Mbombela Stadium, in Nelspruit, as Redknapp’s side searched for their first pre-season victory.

Tottenham’s other prize asset Gareth Bale went closest to breaking the deadlock early on after his volley from a tight angle just cleared the bar in the fourth minute.

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But while the Barclays Premier League club enjoyed the majority of possession, the hosts were in no mood to roll over for their illustrious opponents.

Daine Klate fired over from 20 yards in the 13th minute before Isaac Chansa’s effort deflected off Danny Rose, flashing just wide of Friedel’s far post.

If Modric goes, Redknapp could give Rafael van der Vaart the freedom he so desperately craves next season. The Holland international gave the Spurs boss a reminder of his talents by giving Tottenham the lead with an exquisite 20-yard free-kick that left keeper Senzo Meyiwa with no chance.

Look into my eyes....: Redknapp remains hopeful of keeping Modric at the club

Meyiwa redeemed himself by tipping over Bale’s 32nd-minute free-kick before Friedel’s Spurs debut turned sour.

The veteran American was at fault when he parried Happy Jele’s speculative effort into his own net in the 40th minute.

Things could have got worse for Redknapp on the stroke of half-time if Klate’s close-range effort had not been ruled out for offside.

Modric was replaced by Jermaine Jenas in the 59th minute and shared a warm handshake with Redknapp as he walked off. But will the pair be sharing a farewell handshake before the September 1 transfer deadline?