World Football Gossip Roundup: Modric, Blanc, Torres, Lavezzi, Jovetic, Fixtures

These days, it seems all the gossip in world football leads back to White Hart Lane.

While Luka Modric continues to sort out his future, Spurs continue to search for a new boss. And in both situations, multiple parties have been popping up in the rumor mill.

In addition to all the Tottenham news, today's edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup has updates on Fernando Torres, Jan Vertonghen, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Stevan Jovetic.

All the details await inside.

Modric to Spain?

Tottenham Hotspur and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric is nearing a transfer to Spain, according to a former teammate quoted by the Daily Mail.

Modric, 26, has been linked heavily with a move away from Tottenham, and the rumors have only intensified since the departure of manager Harry Redknapp. Manchester United and Chelsea are thought to be chasing him.

But Modric's former Croatia teammate, Mate Bilic, says others are interested:

"[Modric] wants to play in the Spanish league. He loves the Premier League but he wants to play in Spain. He’s very close to agreeing a move."

Spurs Want Blanc?

While Luka Modric decides his future, the search for a new Tottenham Hotspur manager continues.

The latest name to be linked with North London is French boss Laurent Blanc (via Goal.com).

Blanc's contract with Les Bleus expires after Euro 2012, and, according to Goal.com, Spurs would quadruple his current salary.

Blanc, 46, has previously managed Bordeaux at the club level. He played for Manchester United from 2001-03.

Meanwhile, Belgian midfielder Jan Vertonghen is still set for a transfer to Tottenham, according to the player's agent (via ESPNSoccernet).

Harry Likes England

So, what's Harry Redknapp up to these days?

According to the Daily Mirror, the former Tottenham boss has said he'd take England's front six ahead of Spain's.

The Mirror quotes Redknapp as saying a bunch of other entertaining things in a must-read article. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Juventus Bid on Torres?

In non-Tottenham Hotspur news, Juventus have reportedly offered Chelsea £30 million for Spanish striker Fernando Torres.

That's according to Goal.com, which also reports that Juventus could include Italian international forward Sebastian Giovinco as a makeweight in the deal.

Lavezzi to PSG a Formality?

Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has said his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain is "a pure formality," according to multiple reports.

ESPNSoccernet cites canal-supporters.com, which quotes Lavezzi as saying: "I have not yet signed for PSG. We have to set a date, but it's a pure formality."

Lavezzi, 27, joined Napoli from San Lorenzo in 2007. He has made 18 senior appearances for Argentina.

No Chelsea Bid for Jovetic?

Fiorentina have not received a bid from Chelsea for striker Stevan Jovetic, according to sporting director Daniele Prade (via The Independent).

"For the time being, Jovetic is our player," Prade said. "Chelsea have never made an official proposal and I know their club executives very well as I lived in England for a year."

Chelsea are thought to be readying a £20 million bid for Jovetic, a 22-year-old Montenegrin international.

According to The Independent, Jovetic has a contract with Fiorentina until June 2016.

Fixture Lists

Fixture lists for the 2012-13 English Premier League season are out.

Champions Manchester City start their title defense at home against newly promoted Southampton on Aug. 18. Manchester United visit Everton, Chelsea play at Wigan and Arsenal host Sunderland the same day.

For the season's full fixture list, click here.

Fixtures are out in Scotland also, and Rangers have been omitted (via The Independent). Rangers entered administration last season after experiencing major financial problems.

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