Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has admitted that losing Luka Modric will be a big blow to the club.

Modric is close to finalising his protracted move to Real Madrid after the La Liga champions reportedly agreed a £30m deal with Spurs.

Porto's Joao Moutinho and Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila have been mooted as possible replacements, but Defoe has conceded that it will be difficult for Spurs to lose a player of Modric's talents regardless of who may arrive at White Hart Lane.

Defoe said: "Luka is a fantastic player. A lot has gone on. As players we don't know what's gone on. If he does end up going, for us it is hard to lose someone like that."

Defoe came off the bench to score England's winner in their 2-1 victory over Italy in Switzerland last night.