According to El Nacional, there has been a major update on Tottenham Hotspur's transfer plans as news emerges on former star and Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.

The Lowdown: Spurs missing Eriksen...

Since the departure of former club mainstay and key player Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan, it has been a point of contention that Spurs seriously miss his creative presence in midfield.

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During his time in north London, the Dane was a pivotal player in the final third for Tottenham and averaged the most key passes per 90 out of their entire squad in each Premier League season from 2013/2014 to 2018/2019 (WhoScored).

Eriksen left for the San Siro in January 2020 to the tune of £16.9 million and former Lilywhites players, like Ramon Vega and Jamie O'Hara, have pointed out just how much Spurs have been lacking in that position since.

Now, some news has emerged on another former Tottenham star as they seek to address that issue for new boss Antonio Conte.

The Latest: Spurs make Modric offer...

As per El Nacional's sources, the Lilywhites have made a pre-contract offer to re-sign ex-favourite Modric as his contract winds down at current club Real Madrid.

His contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire at the end of this season and it is believed the 36-year-old has already replied to Tottenham's approach.

Indeed, unfortunately for Spurs, he has apparently rejected their advances as he contemplates signing another extension in the Spanish capital - though he refuses to rule out a move to Man City who have also made a proposal.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs...

Given Tottenham's dire need for a proven playmaker, they don't come much better than their former hero, so this news comes as a blow for Conte and co.

According to WhoScored, the Croatia legend has averaged more key passes per 90 over his eight La Liga starts so far this season (1.4) than any Spurs player has managed in the Premier League bar Son Heung-min, highlighting the player's spark in midfield.

As well as this, only Lucas Moura (3) has completed a higher amount of dribbles in that time compared to Modric (1.6), while former Galacticos boss Zinedine Zidane recently labelled Modric 'phenomenal' (Marca).

Having just come off the back of an individually impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Croatia also, it is clear to see the player still has it in his locker and he would have improved Tottenham to no end.

In other news: Spurs agreement to sign £200,000-per-week star possible as Paratici makes exciting plea to club chiefs, find out more here.