Spurs have agreed a £15.8million deal with Dinamo Zagreb for the Croatia international, and the move will be sealed when the formalities of a medical and work permit are completed.

The 22-year-old says his desire to play under head coach Juande Ramos was crucial in his decision, and he is looking forward to playing European football under the Spaniard.

He said: "I want to play for Tottenham in international football - Champions League or UEFA Cup games.

"I want to achieve big things with the club and be in the top group of teams in the Premier League.

"I am happy that the coach Juande Ramos wanted me, it is the most important thing that the coach wants you as a player.

"It is right that 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 coach Ramos."

With other clubs declaring their interest in Modric, Spurs acted quickly to secure the midfielder.

"We had to speed things up because if not we could have lost him," said Ramos. "The chairman acted very quickly."

Modric offers Ramos options across his midfield next season.

"We've signed him because the player is able to adapt to the characteristics of the team," added Ramos.

"He can play in any position in midfield. He is a footballer with an enormous future and I just hope he gives the best of himself when he's here."