Chelsea and Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Luka Modric as a move to Real Madrid looks increasingly unlikely.
Modric is widely expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with reports last week suggesting he could be closing in on a move to Jose Mourinho's side.
It was thought Spurs were interested in doing business with Madrid providing midfielder Nuri Sahin moved to White Hart Lane as part of a cash-plus-player deal.
But Sahin last week turned down a move to north London, insisting he has no plans to leave the Bernabeu this summer.
And it appears Modric is now unlikely to get his move to the Spanish capital.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the 26-year-old was close to finalising a move to Spain and had even agreed personal terms with the La Liga champions.
But with Sahin refusing to act as a makeweight, Los Blancos are prepared to look at alternative options - such as Manchester City midfielder David Silva - as they are unwilling to meet Tottenham's £40million valuation of the Croatian playmaker.
It is thought Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy would prefer to sell Modric to Madrid, as he is not willing to sell to a Premier League rival.
But whether the Spurs supremo would be willing to accept a lower fee than he turned down from Chelsea twelve months ago, however, remains to be seen.
United and Chelsea are thought to be considering bids for Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho as an alternative option to Modric.
Spurs are also keen on Moutinho as they make plans to replace the former Dinamo Zagreb star.