LASSANA DIARRA is set to quit Real Madrid for Spurs as Harry Redknapp bolsters his midfield ranks.

With Brazilian star Sandro currently injured and Luka Modric the subject of much transfer speculation, Redknapp is closing in on a move for Diarra.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea man will join William Gallas in having played for all three clubs.

He will also link up again with Jermain Defoe who he played with at Portsmouth, under Redknapp.

And he’ll be reunited with Rafael van der Vaart who joined Spurs from Real Madrid last summer.

Undoubtedly the ideal scenario for Spurs is that Modric stays, leaving Redknapp with four top quality centre-midfielders to pick from.

Diarra, Modric, Sandro and Huddlestone – any two from that quartet could control most Premier League matches, the hardest thing would be to select a first-choice pairing.

A combination of Diarra and Sandro promises much, particularly if Diarra recaptures the form he showed for Portsmouth in the Premier League.

Equally Diarra and Modric is a tantalising proposition. Two great ball carriers, both capable of putting their foot in.

And Sandro and Modric proved a force last season when paired together.

In addition, depending on tactics and fitness of other players, Diarra, Sandro and Modric could play together in a seriously imposing three, behind a lone front man.

If Modric goes, Diarra becomes a very good replacement but forward strides are not being made, unless chairman Daniel Levy uses the funds to bring in more quality players to boost the squad before the window shuts.

Midfield options

Modric?, Diarra?

Sandro, Huddlestone, Kranjcar, Livermore

Surplus to requirements?

Palacios, Jenas