Harry Redknapp has said that he wants to secure the future of midfielder Luka Modric, after the Coatian international played a decisive part in Tottenham's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa last night.

Modric was the subject of one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas, with repeated bids from Chelsea turned down by Spurs.

Redknapp now wants Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to sort out a new deal before the January transfer window opens.

"I just love him. Not just as a footballer but as a boy and a fella. He's top class," Redknapp said.

"He had all those problems in the summer when Chelsea wanted him but never ever put his head down or caused problems for anybody. We've got to keep him here. There aren't too many Luka Modrics who come along.

"If we're looking to be a big club, and the chairman showed that in the summer, I'm sure we'll look after him by getting a new deal sorted."

Tottenham's win over Villa propels them into third place in the Premier League with a game in hand.