TOTTENHAM pipped Newcastle United to the signature of Luka Modric despite the North-east side offering more money for the Croatian, it was revealed yesterday.

Toon chairman Chris Mort described in the club's match programme how the Magpies were left deflated after Modric opted for European football with Spurs, even though they were prepared to offer higher wages to the 22-year-old attacker.

"We put a substantial offer in for Luka Modric," said Mort.

"It is frustrating that Modric, like (Jonathan) Woodgate before him, should take less money than we offered to move to the bright lights of London, and European football with Tottenham next season.

"But these are the sorts of difficulties that should get easier to address once we build a squad that competes at the right end of the table."