An interesting little rumour is making the rounds today, and it involves Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric's supposed move to Chelsea FC. Apparently, Roman Abramovich is about to open direct talks with Modric on his private yacht off the coast of Croatia:

While I don't doubt that Modric is going to try to force a transfer through an unwilling Daniel Levy, I'd strongly suggest that the rumour regarding direct negotiations before Tottenham have granted permission to talk to their player is insane. If true, Chelsea would get done for tapping up before Harry Redknapp could say 'wheeler-dealer'. Obviously this is an undesirable outcome and not something the Blues should be looking to do.

However, I'd hazard that there's some substance to the overall shape of things and that we'll get progress on the Modric front within a few days (if not hours). While I maintain that Javier Pastore is a slightly better fit for Chelsea given their current system, Modric would be an extremely useful acquisition - and it'd be nice to get the first transfer out of the way. It's about time to turn rumour into reality.