The Croatian is expected to submit in writing his desire to leave the club today in an attempt to force through a move to Stamford Bridge - but Spurs maintain their bullish stance

Tottenham are expecting to receive a 'final' offer in excess of £30 million from Chelsea for Luka Modric, after it emerged that the midfielder is set to hand in a formal transfer request.

Modric is expected to officially notify Spurs of his desire to leave White Hart Lane after the north London club rejected a second bid worth £27m for the playmaker.

The 25-year-old had previously insisted he would not submit a transfer request because it would be 'disrespectful' but he has changed his stance after Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy told him he would not be sold this summer.

Levy has taken a dim view of Modric's representatives using the media to voice his unrest and will reiterate his stance that the midfielder, who signed a six-year contract last summer, is not for sale.

Manager Harry Redknapp confirmed on Thursday that a 'piece of paper' would not change the club's position regarding the Croatian, who touched down in South Africa with the Spurs squad on Thursday morning for their pre-season tour. 

He told the BBC: "We know Luka wants to leave. Writing it down on a piece of paper doesn't make much difference to our stance."

Chelsea, however, have been encouraged by Modric's desire to move to Stamford Bridge and are understood to be preparing a third and final offer worth in excess of £30m for the former Dinamo Zagreb star.

The Blues' latest offer of £25m plus a further £2m in success-related add-ons was rejected earlier this week and Spurs are not expecting a significant increase on that bid. Sources have suggested that Modric's aggressive pursuit of a move is partly motivated by the knowledge that Chelsea are trying to sign him cheaply in relation to what might be considered his market value.

At the weekend, Modric attacked Levy in an interview with a Croatian newspaper, labelling the Spurs chief 'arrogant' and accusing him of breaking a 'gentleman's agreement' to sell him to a bigger club this summer.

Tottenham have furiously denied that there was any such understanding when Modric signed his contract last year and are likely to fine him two weeks' wages for his public outburst.

Modric described his 'dream' of playing for Chelsea, adding he wants to play in the Champions League next season and challenge for trophies.

Chelsea are understood to have prepared a wage package worth £130,000-a-week for the Croat, which dwarfs the £45,000 weekly salary he currently earns at White Hart Lane.

Meanwhile, Tottenham midfielder Sandro will be assessed by club doctors on Thursday amid fears that he will require knee surgery that could rule him out for three months. 

The 22-year-old suffered a suspected tear to the meniscus in his right knee while on international duty for Brazil at the Copa America and was sent home to London.