Luka Modric blew Clinton Morrison away as Newcastle United’s January transfer target stunned as Real Madrid edged Chelsea in the Champions League, he told Sky Sports News.
Thomas Tuchel’s side faced an uphill battle to progress from the quarter-finals away at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Yet the Stamford Bridge natives came close to pulling off a historic result, only for Modric to assist Rodrygo and force the second-leg into extra-time.
Karim Benzema would then prove himself as Los Blancos’ hero once again after a hat-trick in last week’s first-leg tie. The Frenchman intelligently peeled away from Antonio Rudiger to provide Vinicius Junior an option, before drilling his header into the corner of the goal.
Real Madrid were second best in most areas as Chelsea seemed set to book a spot in the semi-finals. But Modric’s moment of sheer brilliance to deliver a curling cross for Rodrygo with the outside of his boot dragged Carlo Ancelotti’s side back level on aggregate at 4-4.
UEFA would also name Modric the Man of the Match for his display, having probed whenever Chelsea afforded him time. The Croatian sent a whistling strike wide from 20-yards out just after assisting Rodrygo and regularly commanded several Blues shirts to limit his influence.
‘Outstanding’ Newcastle target Luka Modric of Real Madrid blows Morrison away
Modric’s display as Real Madrid edged Chelsea 5-4 showed why Newcastle have explored his transfer in January. Super Deporte report the Magpies and the £30m star’s former side Tottenham Hotspur considered offering the 36-year-old a return to the Premier League.
The Toon and Spurs, whom Modric left in 2012 for Real Madrid, have considered moves as the four-time Champions League winner is out of contract in June. Gianluca Di Marzio also notes talks over a one-year extension are ongoing as Los Blancos are asking him to take a pay cut.
Modric reduced his wage from €12.5m-a-year (£200k-a/w) to €11.25m (£180k-a/w) net to help the Galacticos during the covid pandemic. His agent now wants the club to restore his salary to the original sum or keep the current reduction, but Los Blancos want further cuts.
All parties remain eager to agree a fresh deal for the 2022/23 term. But Real Madrid failing to get Modric signed up for next season could see Newcastle explore his situation, having blown Morrison away with what the potential free transfer produced against Chelsea.
“That pass from Modric is world-class,” exclaimed Morrison. “It is one of the passes of the season and the finish from Rodrygo is outstanding. For Modric, the legs go, but the mind and the ambition is outstanding.”
Morrison added “Modric has been outstanding. He’s the one that has drove them on with his one or two touch passing. Age is not a number with him.”
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