Modric returns to Real Madrid training amid doubts over future

Luka Modric returned to training at Real Madrid yesterday along with five other World Cup players, against a background of contradictory rumours about his future. One Spanish sports daily, AS, reported that the midfielder who led Croatia to the World Cup final was subject to a big bid from Inter Milan, while a competing newspaper, Marca said the 32-year old was about to accept a pay rise from Real and sign a contract extension.Modric, awarded the Golden Ball as best player at the World Cup, was given a break rather than join Real’s pre-season tour of the United States, as were another Croatian World Cup finalist, Mateo Kovacic, who was reported to have travelled to London to join Chelsea, French World Cup winner Raphael Varane and Brazilian duo Marcelo and Casemiro.Yesterday, as the Real first team flew back to Madrid after beating Roma in New Jersey on Tuesday night, the club said the World Cup players were in training. “The Croatian midfielder joined Marcelo, Varane, Casemiro and Kovacic, who did individual work in the gym. The four players trained with nine players from the under-18s,” Real Madrid said on their web site.Among the conflicting reports, Marca said that Modric, who joined Real in 2012, “did not consider his current salary matched the level of his performances” and that the player, who turns 33 early in September, was about to sign the best contract of his career.AS said Modric, who has not commented publicly, “foresaw joining Inter.” Marca said “he would stay at Madrid” because “the club intended to increase his salary.”Meanwhile, Gareth Bale is serving notice that he is ready to shine without Cristiano Ronaldo, factoring in both goals as Real Madrid wrapped up their US tour with a 2-1 win over Roma on Tuesday. Bale and Marco Asensio scored for Real Madrid who put on a strong performance especially in the first half of the International Champions Cup friendly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Real Madrid is hoping Bale is ready to fully evolve into the player they signed for a world record fee in 2013. The 33-year-old Ronaldo ended a nine-year spell at Real Madrid by recently signing with Italian champions Juventus. “We’re scoring goals and we’re winning matches, so we’re doing well,” Bale said. “We have to keep improving and we’re really looking forward to starting the new season.”Asensio, with his third goal of the preseason, opened the scoring just two minutes into the contest.Bale delivered a brilliant pass to the foot of Asensio and he found the back of the net. Real Madrid struck again in the 15th minute as Bale would score this time, taking an equally superb pass from Dani Carvajal.Bale walked in and beat goalkeeper Robin Olsen to make it 2-0.Real Madrid wasn’t nearly as dominant in the second half as most of their starting squad was subbed off.Kevin Strootman made it interesting by scoring in the 83rd minute for Roma. Strootman was left wide open off a throw-in and headed pass and all he had to do was hammer it past the startled Real Madrid goalkeeper.