TOTTENHAM have pulled off a sensational transfer coup by landing Croatia superstar Luka Modric after reaching a deal believed to be over £20million with Dinamo Zagreb.

It was exclusively revealed Spurs had won the race to sign Modric and beaten competition from some of Europes biggest clubs.

We were first to break the news at twenty past midnight this morning an HOUR before the White Hart Lane giants confirmed the story on their official website.

A Spurs statement read: The Club is delighted to announce that it has reached agreement with Dinamo Zagreb for the transfer of Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric.

"Personal terms have been agreed with the player and he will now undertake a medical and apply for a work permit.

Modric admits he is delighted to be making the switch to London.

He said: "I'm happy to be joining such a big club.

"It will be a real pleasure to play in the English league which is the best in Europe, with three English clubs in the semi-finals of the Champions League."

Dinamo sporting director Zoran Mamic revealed: "Tottenham's president came to Zagreb.

"We signed the agreement and everything is in order. We're very happy.

"Luka is leaving for an environment where he's going to progress, while Dinamo showed that we know how to do good deals."

A top Dinamo source told us late last night: Everything has been agreed and Modric will be going to Tottenham. All the details are in place and the fee is £20m.

Modric will sign a five-year contract with Tottenham. The deal is believed to be a club record fee for Spurs whose previous record was the £16.5m signing of Darren Bent from Charlton last summer.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City were all linked with moves for Modric as were Barcelona, Inter and Bayern Munich.

And Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan had an £18.5million bid rejected by the Croatian club yesterday afternoon before Spurs upped the ante to land the star.

It is a masterstroke for Tottenham boss Juande Ramos, who has landed a truly wonderful player who is expected to shine for Croatia in Euro 2008.