LONDON — Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, one of the most sought-after stars in the English Premier League (EPL), handed in an official request to leave Tottenham Hotspur, Sky Sports reported Saturday.

Modric’s future at White Hart Lane has been the subject of intense speculation all summer, with Chelsea chasing the Croatian’s signature.

Chelsea already saw two bids — of $35 million (£22 million) and nearly $43 million (£27million) — for the 25-year-old turned down, as it looked to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

Modric is currently with Spurs on a preseason tour of South Africa, but he is keen to make the move across London.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and its chairman, Daniel Levy, insisted that Modric was not for sale at any price.

Read more: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_7040969,00.html