Tottenham have signalled their intentions for next season by agreeing a £15.8million deal for Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb.

The 22-year-old is understood to have agreed a five-year contract and is set to undergo a medical imminently, and the deal will be completed when the player obtains a work permit.

He was at White Hart Lane on Saturday to watch the Premier League clash against Bolton.

"I'm happy to be joining such a big club," said Modric, who will go to the European Championships with Croatia before starting pre-season training with his new club.

"It will be a real pleasure to play in the English league which is the best in Europe, with three English clubs in the semi-finals of the Champions League."

Spurs have ambitions of eventually playing in the Champions League themselves and the signing of Modric is seen as a coup as Chelsea were believed to be interested earlier in the season and Kevin Keegan wanted him at Newcastle.

Dinamo sporting director Zoran Mamic added: "We're very happy. Luka is leaving for an environment where he's going to progress, while Dinamo showed that we know how to do good deals."

Spurs head coach Juande Ramos may deploy Modric as a central playmaker but he could also use him to solve the problem the club have had on the left flank in recent seasons.

Martin Jol wanted a left winger last summer but ended up playing Steed Malbranque there before the Dutchman was sacked and Ramos was brought in.

Ramos is expected to bring his own players in over the summer ahead of his first full season, with goalkeeper Carlos Kameni thought to be on his radar.

(reopens) Ramos wants to keep Berbatov but the issue could be complicated if a team matches Spurs' valuation of the Bulgaria striker.

"We know the situation of Berbatov and we are calm about it," the head coach said.

"If a team comes along and pays the asking price the chairman wants then possibly yes, but we're delighted to have him here."

Ramos met with Modric after the 1-1 draw against Bolton.

The Spaniard added: "There are a few things like the medical that needed to be finalised.

"If it goes through we will be delighted. I've seen him several times in games for his club.

"The club always try to sign good players, whatever players we sign will improve the squad. We always want to improve the squad and show our ambition."

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