Tottenham have returned to pre-season training – with Rafael van der Vaart admitting their two top stars might walk away.
Dutch ace Van der Vaart fears for the future of playmaker Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
He said: “Luka and Gareth don’t play for money but to win something, and if they have to go to another club it’s their decision.
“If someone wants to leave it’s difficult to keep them. When a player is unhappy it’s not a good thing.
“But I hope they stay because they are fantastic and really important for the club.
“As a player, you want to improve every year but the important thing is to help the team. If we stay together we have a good squad.”
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, furious at the nature of last month’s £22million bid by Chelsea for 25-year-old Modric, has vowed not to sell the Croatian at any price.
And boss Harry Redknapp said last night: “I was surprised by the figure. It’s a farcical bid. If they’re going to make an offer, make an offer – but £22m for Luka Modric is ridiculous.
“We wouldn’t put a valuation on him. He’s such a fantastic player, we don’t want to sell him. I think he can play in any team in the world, Luka’s that good.
“There’s no reason we can’t show the ambition ourselves. I’m not saying we can pay the wages of Manchester City or Chelsea, but we’ve got a great group of players and if we can add a few more anything could happen.
“Gareth will stay. He’s a great kid, improving and learning the game all the time and he’s coming on in leaps and bounds.”
Hmmm concerning words from VdV!!