体坛英语新闻：Real Madrid confirms Modric signing

MADRID, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid this Monday announced the signing of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric on a five year contact.

Modric joins for Tottenham Hotspurs on a deal thought to be in the region of 35 million Euros, ending a long running transfer saga.

The two clubs have also penned a mutual collaboration agreement which will see them work together in several footballing questions and facilitate loan agreements.

Modric, who will celebrate his 28th birthday on September 9th, joins Madrid after spending four seasons in London. He has 57 international caps for his country and Real Madrid hope he will provide cover in central midfield following the loan of Nuri Sahin to Liverpool and the more than probable departure of Brazilian midfielder Kaka before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Modric will have a medical this Monday morning before being officially presented to the fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium at 13.00 hours local time.

Real Madrid announced the signing of the player less than 24 hours after their surprise defeat to Getafe in the BBVA Primera Liga on Sunday night and just two days before they entertain FC Barcelona in the return leg of the Spanish Supercup on Wednesday.

Modric is unlikely to play in that game, where Madrid need to overturn a 3-2 defeat from the first leg, but he could appear when his new side faces Granada next Sunday.