Croatian midfielder Luka Modric is set to begin discussions with Real Madrid over signing a new contract at the club.
Modric joined the Spanish giants in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur. After a tough opening year, the Croatian has become a superstar at the Bernabeu, peaking in 2018 when he won the Ballon d’Or.
At 35 years of age, it was thought that the World Cup finalist was nearing the end of his time at Los Blancos, especially with the much younger options of Martin Odegaard and Federico Valverde breaking through.
However, the midfielder is still very much in favour at Real Madrid, starting 12 out of a possible 16 this term in all competitions. Despite his side’s mixed start to the season, Modric is still performing to an exceptionally high standard.
Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Real Madrid are set to reward the player by opening talks with him over a new contract.
Modric’s current deal expires in the summer, leaving him free to talk to other clubs from January onwards over a potential transfer. However, it is believed that he would like to stay at the club where he has won four Champions League titles, with Marca reporting two months ago that he would like to retire at Real Madrid.
If the negotiations don’t go as planned, then there will surely be no lack of interest for the midfielder, despite his age.
Serie A table-toppers AC Milan have been named as one potential suitor for the veteran. He has previously spoken about his admiration for the Rossoneri, largely due to former player Zvonimir Boban.
As quoted by Sempre Milan, Modric said: “I imagined being a Milan player but it went differently, and when you get to Real Madrid it’s difficult to think of going elsewhere.
“If things hadn’t gone well in Madrid, I would certainly have been happy in Serie A.”