Croatia coach Igor Stimac expects Luka Modric to finally complete his move to Real Madrid this month, but has voiced his disappointment at the playmaker being frozen out by Andre Villas-Boas according to the Evening Standard.

Modric is currently involved in his second successive summer transfer saga, and refused to travel with Tottenham to the United States for their pre season tour last month, following Real Madrid’s failure to meet his £40 million valuation.

Modric has been out in the cold for the remainder of Tottenham’s pre season fixtures, a situation that has riled Stimac, who plans to give Modric his first game of the summer tonight as Croatia face Switzerland in Split.

“I don’t like the situation that he is in at all, he has not played any matches at all this summer” explained Stimac.

“However, he will sign for Madrid before the market shuts.”

Andre Villas-Boas has been planning for life without Modric since taking charge last month, having already captured Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim, and has been heavily linked with moves for Rennes midfielder Yaan M’Vila and Bologna playmaker Gaston Ramirez.

It is understood Spurs made a £12.5 million offer for Ramirez according to the young Uruguyans agent.

Oscar Betancourt explained the situation to Italian website Calciomercato:

“The deal didnt go through because Spurs offered too low a wage and if the difference is minimal he would stay at Bologna. Tottenham could raise their offer if they sell Modric and in that case a deal could be done.”

However, it is understood a striker remains the priority for Villas-Boas. With the start of the new season just days away, Jermain Defoe and rookie Harry Kane are the only striking options, with efforts to sign Emmaunel Adebayor and Leandro Damiao still ongoing.