JUANDE Ramos s real revolution is under way at the Lane. The Spurs boss swooped for Croatian midfield playmaker Luka Modric for a club equalling record fee of £16.5million over the weekend, beating off strong competition from several Champions League club

JUANDE Ramos's real revolution is under way at the Lane.

The Spurs boss swooped for Croatian midfield playmaker Luka Modric for a club equalling record fee of £16.5million over the weekend, beating off strong competition from several Champions League clubs.

And Ramos is also planning for life without star striker Dimitar Berbatov, who is likely to leave Tottenham in the summer - but only for the £25million the club is demanding for the Bulgarian international.

Valencia striker David Villa and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o are the top targets as replacements with a swap deal for Eto'o a strong possibility. Both players have two years left on their contracts and have signalled their desire to leave their respective clubs.

Tottenham confirmed this week that Modric's fee is the same as they agreed to sign striker Darren Bent from Charlton in June last year.

The Croatian star, who has signed a six-year contract - subject to gaining a work permit - admitted that Ramos was the key reason he agreed a move to N17. "Many clubs in England were interested in taking me but my favourite from the first meeting was Tottenham because I am a big fan of Ramos," he explained.

"I am very happy that Ramos wanted me. It is important the coach wants you as a player.

"It was not a difficult decision. The president of Dinamo Zagreb called me to tell me he had agreed a deal with Tottenham that was perfect for me.

"At first I was very surprised. Then, I was proud about coming to England. It is not easy when you have spent many beautiful years in the city of Zagreb. But I want a new challenge and I am happy to be getting this opportunity."

Modric, who was at the Lane on Saturday to see the 1-1 draw against Bolton, is confident he will soon be playing in the Champions League with the Lilywhites. "I want to achieve big things - in the Champions League or Uefa Cup," he said. "We want to be in the top group of teams in the Premier League."

Spurs fans will get an early chance to see Modric's skills when he plays for Croatia in the finals of Euro 2008 in June.

pat.mooney@hamhigh.co