Harry Redknapp has claimed that he holds the key to convincing Luka Modric to stay put and that the situation can be sorted with a decent chat and an improved contract – but David Pleat says "sell up" and some fans already see yesterday's no show as the final straw.
"If anyone can pick him up, I can. I have a great relationship with him," the gaffer explained, but says that Modric's relationship with the chairman might need more work.
"They probably fell out a little bit over that first meeting," added Redknapp. "If they can have a meeting and resolve the whole situation and Daniel tells him we need him, he is important and that we are ambitious and will bring one or two players in, you might find the boy will be okay."
Former boss David Pleat says different. He says that Tottenham should face up to the fact that Modric doesn't want to stay and cash in before it's too late, even hinting at some underhand tactics on Chelsea's behalf.
"Spurs are being forced to lose a player because someone has done their business behind the scenes and now he’s seeing £150,000 a week or whatever Chelsea are saying they’ll pay him," Pleat told Talksport.
"With Modric it’s simple – he’s asked for a transfer so he doesn’t want to play there. He shouldn’t be a hero with the fans because he doesn’t want to play for the shirt.
“So Tottenham need to maximise the price and get every penny they can for him. And to pacify the supporters, they should take good money, plus a player. That would help."
Last night seems to have been a big turning point with the fans as a number of forums seem to suggest.
Nasri was willing to put in a good shift for Arsenal despite his Manchester City move looming large, and John Obi Mikel turned out for Chelsea even though his father had been kidnapped. Yet poor little Luka Modric has to stay at home because he can't get his own way.
The Croatian claims to love and respect the Tottenham fans but he was still willing to sit at home while thousands of supporters forked out for tickets and transport to Manchester only to see their depleated side outplayed in midfield, desperately lacking someone who could open up the defending champions.
Modric's head wasn't in the right place. Or so we are told. Well £60,000 a week should be enough to put anybody's head in the right place. Even Cesc Fabregas continued to play for his employer despite his head being elsewhere.
As Kevin Bond said, everyone has their price and, despite Daniel Levy's strong stance over the summer saga the simple truth of the matter may be that Chelsea haven't matched our valuation.
If the Blues don't come through with an acceptable offer in time, then Modric will have a huge job clawing back the respect of the White Hart Lane faithful.
Maybe that Monday-night trip up to Manchester doesn't seem such a bad idea after all, eh Luka?
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