Classy Modric can take us to next level, says Keane

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Modric agreed a £16.5million switch from Dinamo Zagreb and will officially become a Spurs player on 1 July as manager Juande Ramos begins to shape the squad in his own image.

Keane sees the 22-year-old midfielder's capture as a statement of intent for next season and cannot wait for the new campaign to set about improving on the Carling Cup winners' disappointing 11th-place finish in the Premier League.

"There will be more expectation next season because the manager has time to bed in and I am sure there will be new players coming in," said Keane, who was voted the club's Player of the Year.

"We have already signed one in [Luka] Modric so I am sure there will be a few more to come. That can only help the squad and all the players are looking forward to it. Luka's a top player.

"He'll be great for the squad - we need players like him to take Tottenham to the next level."

Keane refused to be drawn on the uncertainty surrounding striker partner Dimitar Berbatov's future at the club, insisting: "I am only talking about players who are coming in, not players who are going.

"That's up to the manager and what he wants to do.

"I just want to focus on players coming in because it's only going to add to the good squad that we already have."

Modric is rated as one of the finest young prospects in Europe and played a key role in the Croatia side that ousted England in qualifying for Euro 2008.

Despite having a host of options, Modric revealed Ramos was the key in choosing to join the Spanish revolution in north London. "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," said Modric, whose transfer fee matches the amount Spurs paid Charlton for Darren Bent last summer.

"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.

"I want a new challenge, a new competition and I am happy to be getting this opportunity. The time is right."