Blues warned over Modric price

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has warned Chelsea that it is likely to take "an awful lot more" than £35 million to sign Luka Modric.

Modric has expressed his determination to secure a move to Stamford Bridge and Redknapp, who reiterated this week that he "understands" the player's desire to leave, has claimed many of the world's top clubs are interested.

On Thursday, he said: "Everyone wants Luka. Just ask Alex Ferguson what he thinks of him, ask Roberto Mancini at Manchester City - they all want him. He could play for Barcelona."

However, Chelsea - who have already seen offers of £22 million and £27 million rejected - have been told that they will need to dramatically up their bid.

Mancini confident on City bid for Aguero

Roberto Mancini expects to make a bid for Sergio Aguero in the next few days as Manchester City prepare for life after Carlos Tevez.

Mancini had said that Corinthians had already agreed a deal to sign Tevez before the Brazilian club issued a statement to deny that was the case.

Asked about the situation after the 2-1 friendly victory over Vancouver on Monday, Mancini said: "I slept last night and I had a game to prepare for today so I don't know any more. The clubs are talking."

Though Corinthians' denial has raised doubts over whether the deal can be resolved before the conclusion of the Brazilian transfer window on Wednesday, it appears City are already resigned to losing their captain as they pursue a deal for Atletico Madrid star Aguero.

Asked when a bid might be lodged for the Argentina forward, Mancini said: "Maybe in the next days. I have not spoken to anyone about it, but probably. I think so."

Midfielder Gareth Barry believes Aguero would be a fine replacement for Tevez and says the players are excited about his potential arrival.

"Aguero is a very exciting player from what I have seen on TV," Barry said. "He is a class act. Names like that will excite fans and the players."

He added: "There has obviously been the odd chat about Carlos. He has made it clear he is ready to leave and the players will respect his decision.

"It is down to the club to decide what fee they want for Carlos. We would be sad to lose him because he is a class player who has worked really hard for the club.

"If you believe what you read, then yes, he has played his last game, but he has been great for Manchester City. He has helped the club win its first trophy and he has always given 100%. We are grateful for that."

Source: www.sport.uk.msn.com

Corinthians deny Tevez deal

Corinthians have denied reports that they have reached an agreement with Manchester City over the signing of striker Carlos Tevez.

City boss Roberto Mancini claimed on Monday morning that City had accepted an offer from the Brazilian club, but Corinthians president Andres Sanchez insists no deal has been done.

A statement from the club read: "Because of news reports this morning of an agreement between Corinthians and the striker Carlos Tevez, president Andres Sanchez is keen to clarify that Manchester City has not accepted Corinthians' offer for the player.

"In fact, [City] sent a counterproposal, which, due to the time difference, has only just reached the Corinthians board this morning. In the counterproposal, the Premier League club asks for changes in the form of payment and also in the total value of the transaction.

"Finally, the president Andres Sanchez advises that there is no concrete agreement with Tevez at this time and the counterproposal will be analysed by him and the board."

Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian remains hopeful a deal will be agreed before the Brazilian transfer window closes on Wednesday.

"There is no agreement at the moment but we are working hard and we will see what happens," Joorabchian told BBC Sport. "The deal has not been done and I don't want to say too much either way. To say I am optimistic would be just a guess but we are working hard."

If a deal is struck to take Tevez back to the club he won the Campeonato Brasileiro with in 2005, City are likely to target Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero as a replacement.

Source: www.sport.uk.msn.com