Soccer:Chelsea transfer target Luka Modric is not mentally prepared to play against Manchester United tonight, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted.

Modric has been the subject of sustained interest from the Blues this summer and, despite Spurs repeatedly declaring they would not entertain offers for the Croatia playmaker, Chelsea still seem determined to get their man.

The arrival of Juan Mata at Stamford Bridge does not appear to have deterred Andre Villas-Boas, with another bid in the region of €35 million expected this week.

Redknapp’s side open their season against Manchester United tonight and he confirmed Modric will not be on duty.

“He’s got a little bit of an injury. There’s a possibility he could have played through it. But at the moment his head’s not in the right place.”

Although Redknapp is loathe to part with Modric it would provide him with major funds to add to his squad, something he is eager to do before the end of the month.

“We’ll get one or two players in before the window closes. The chairman is very close to doing a couple of deals. If we can get a couple of players in we’ll look even more quality. It will improve us again.

“You have to keep improving because all the other teams have gone out and improved. Liverpool have done it. Probably only ourselves and Arsenal haven’t done too much.”

Chelsea confirmed on Sunday night that they had reached “an agreement in principle” with Valencia for Mata to join the west London club.

Neither club has disclosed the fee for the 23-year-old but both confirmed the transfer was subject to the player passing the relevant medical tests.

Mata joined Valencia from Real Madrid in 2007 and has emerged as one of their most important players, his form earning him a regular place in the Spain squad.

He was a part of the party which won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and was also a key man this summer as Spain won the Under-21 European Championship in Denmark.