2nd Hazard for Chelsea, Real Madrid drop Modric hint

Real Madrid have given the strongest indication yet they want to sign Luka Modric from Tottenham this summer as a replacement for Brazil star Kaka. Aitor Karanka, the club's assistant manager, said he thought the player would fit in well at the Bernabau after his performances at Euro 2012 this summer. Modric has returned to training with Spurs this week, having been fined by the club for skipping sessions as he sets his sights on a move away from White Hart Lane this summer. Manchester United and Paris St Germain have both been linked with the Croatia playmaker, with Tottenham believed to be holding out for more than £35m (Dh200m). The La Liga champions are believed to see the 26-year-old as the ideal replacement for Kaka, after a largely ineffective spell at the club. Kaka did not travel with Real for the 5-1 friendly win over Real Ovideo, and Karanka told AS: "We decided he would stay in Madrid. Kaka and the club are working to find a good solution for all parties." Asked about Modric, he added: "Which club would not want a player like him? "He is an outstanding footballer and had a great tournament (Euro 2012). It is clear that he would fit in Madrid." Thorgan Hazard is to join his older brother Eden at Chelsea next season after joining the European champions from Lens. The 19-year-old, who had played just 11 games for the Ligue 2 club before the switch, is likely to be loaned out to get more first team experience. "He will now join our Under-21 squad, managed by Dermot Drummy, to continue his pre-season training and a loan move is being considered to continue his development," the club said in a statement. Hazard broke into the Lens first team last season, after joining the club as a 14-year-old in 2007, and has also represented Belgium up to Under-19 level. His brother Eden - last season's Ligue 1 player of the year - joined Chelsea last month from Lille for a reported £32million. From: The National