Modric training on his own

London - Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas says Luka Modric is training on his own while the midfielder holds discussions with Real Madrid about a move to the Spanish champions.

The Croatia international is widely reported to be on the verge of joining Madrid in the coming days, ending his four-year spell at Tottenham.

Villas-Boas said: "He is still a Tottenham player but from what the chairman has told me, talks are ongoing - they stalled a little bit two weeks ago, but they have picked up recently."

Villas-Boas said on Thursday that he cannot sign a replacement for Modric until the midfielder departs.

British media are saying Modric could cost Madrid £30m.

Tottenham begin the new English Premier League season with a match at Newcastle on Saturday.