Real Madrid are ready to offer Ricardo Carvalho as part of the deal to sign Luka Modric according to The Sun.

The Spanish champions are thought to be the frontrunners to sign the Croatia international, who is believed to want a move away from White Hart Lane after the north London club missed out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season.

Although Andre Villas Boas is keen to keep the diminutive midfielder at the club, the side may well be forced to sell the eastern European star should he request to leave.

Negotiations are thought to have stalled as Spurs ask for £35 million for their prize asset, and as such Jose Mourinho's men are looking for ways to reduce the financial burden of Modric's signature.

Carvalho is behind the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the Spanish capital and is thought to be an enticing proposition for Villas Boas, who knows his countryman well.

Spurs are eager to bolster their rearguard this summer, and have already signed Jan Vertonghen from Ajax; Carvalho would certainly add experience to the squad's defensive options.

By Gareth McKnight