Tottenham Rejects Chelsea Offer for Modric, Sky Says: Soccer Roundup

The following is a roundup of soccer stories from U.K. newspapers, with clickable links to the Web.

No to Chelsea

Tottenham rejected a 22 million pound ($35 million) bid from Chelsea for midfielder Luka Modric, Sky Sports said.

The Croatian came to Spurs in 2008 and is wanted by several clubs, including Manchester United, the broadcaster said. Chelsea, which doesn’t have a manager, may be planning a higher offer, Sky said.

Guaranteed Titles

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas said his future is not certain after another season without a trophy, the Guardian said.

The 24-year-old may return to Barcelona, where he started his career, and said “going there guarantees titles,” the newspaper reported.

Thiago Swap

Chelsea may try to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who may become available if Fabregas joins the Spanish club, the Daily Mail said.

The 20-year-old may be sent to Arsenal to lower the fee for Fabregas, the newspaper said.

Newcastle Plans

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew wants to sign West Ham striker Demba Ba and St. Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi after selling captain Kevin Nolan, the Daily Mail said.

Ba can join on a free transfer, while Matuidi, who’s been watched by Arsenal for three years, is valued at 13 million pounds by his French club. Newcastle wants to pay around 8.5 million pounds, the newspaper said.

Liverpool Exits

Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez may want to return to Newell’s Old Boys, where he started his career, the Sun said.

He left Argentina in 2002 to join Espanyol, and is looking at ways to get out of his Liverpool contract, the newspaper said.

Adebayor’s Future

Blackburn wants to sign Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor, the Mirror said.

Manager Steve Kean will be able to spend about 30 million pounds before the start of next season, the newspaper said.

City wants to get rid of Adebayor, who joined from Arsenal for 25 million pounds two seasons ago, the Mirror said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.