Ramos effect made up my mind to join Spurs, says new boy Modric as he eyes big European nights

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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.

Chelsea were thought to be interested in Modric earlier in the season and Newcastle made no secret that they wanted him, with the deal being seen as a coup for Spurs in their bid to eventually play in the Champions League.

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In the stands: Luka Modric (second from right) watches Spurs take on Bolton on Saturday

The 22-year-old wants to play in Europe's top club competition under Ramos.

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," said the Spurs head coach. "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."

Modric is seen as the playmaker to supply Dimitar Berbatov but Ramos suggested at the weekend that the Bulgaria striker could be allowed to leave if a club meets Spurs' valuation.

"We know the situation of Berbatov and we are quite calm about it. If a team comes along and pays the asking price the chairman wants, then possibly yes," he said. "If not, we're delighted to have him here."