Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, one of the most promising young players in Europe, has agreed terms to join Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
The 22-year-old will join Spurs from Dynamo Zagreb in the post-season transfer window subject to passing a medical and obtaining a work permit.
"The club is delighted to announce that it has reached agreement with Dinamo Zagreb for the transfer of Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric," Tottenham said in a statement on their Web site (www.tottenhamhotspur.com).
"Personal terms have been agreed with the player and he will now undertake a medical and apply for a work permit."
Modric was quoted on the BBC Web site (www.bbc.co.uk) as saying: "I'm happy to be joining such a big club. It will be a real pleasure to play in the English league.
"It is the best in Europe, with three English clubs in the semi-finals of the Champions League."
The move is a major coup for Tottenham and their Spanish manager Juande Ramos, whose side will play in the UEFA Cup next season after winning the English League Cup in February.
Newcastle United were also chasing the player while a number of other clubs had been linked with him over the last few months.
Modric started his career in Bosnia as a teenager before moving to Croatian club Inter Zapresic and then Dynamo in 2005.
He made his debut for Croatia in 2006 and played a significant role in Croatia's 3-2 win over England at Wembley in November, which cost England a place in Euro 2008.