Highly-rated Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has revealed his admiration for Tottenham Hotspur boss Juande Ramos, who has also reflected on the speedy developments that took place to bring the “footballer with an enormous future” to White Hart Lane.

Spurs have agreed a £15.8million deal with Dinamo Zagreb for the 22-year-old, who was linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

He said: "I want to play for Tottenham in international football - Champions League or UEFA Cup games.

"I want to achieve big things with the club and be in the top group of teams in the Premier League.

"I am happy that the coach Juande Ramos wanted me, it is the most important thing that the coach wants you as a player.

"It is right that many clubs in England were interested in taking me, but my favourite from the first meeting was Tottenham because I am a big fan of coach Ramos."

Ramos said: "We had to speed things up because if not we could have lost him. The chairman acted very quickly."

"We've signed him because the player is able to adapt to the characteristics of the team," added the Spaniard.

"He can play in any position in midfield. He is a footballer with an enormous future and I just hope he gives the best of himself when he's here."