Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho says his squad is all but finalised ahead of the 2012-13 Spanish La Liga season, amid speculation linking the Spanish champions with Tottenham’s Luka Modric.
The Spanish capital club, who are currently on a promotional tour of the United States, are expected to face a tough challenge from Barcelona this term after a record points tally saw Real win last season’s crown.
Real haven’t made any major acquisitions this off-season, while Barcelona have added Spain international left-back Jordi Alba, while David Villa will return from long-term injury to boost their options.
Nonetheless, Mourinho said he’s happy with his squad ahead of the new term, although speculation remains about a move from Croatia international midfielder Modric.
“We are preparing rigorously because we know it will not be easy, on the contrary,” Mourinho told reporters. “Our squad is almost complete. These are very special players, some of the world’s best.”
Meanwhile, Modric is understood to be set to return to Spurs first-team training this week, having previously trained on his own after refusing to tour the US with the club.
It’s believed Real haven’t been able to match Tottenham’s £40 million valuation of the midfielder, meaning no move is forthcoming in the immediate future.