Real Madrid set out Luka Modric contract plan | OneFootball

Real Madrid are ready to issue a temporary contract extension to Luka Modric to allow him to play at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, but a report claims the midfielder's long-term future at the club remains unclear.

Modric, who turns 40 in September, has spent the past few seasons signing 12-month extensions and is approaching the end of his current contract, which expires on 30 June right in the middle of the newly exanded and reformatted Club World Cup.

FIFA have already opened the door to two-week contract extensions to allow Modric and all other players in his situation to play until the tournament comes to a close on 13 July, and AS state Madrid are ready to strike such a deal with the 39-year-old Croatian.

Modric's importance to the squad will see him given the extension needed to let him see out this summer's tournament, with veteran right-back Lucas Vazquez also set to receive the same treatment ahead of the expiration of his own contract.

Beyond that, however, things are incredibly unclear for both Modric and Vazquez.

Vazquez's contract is also winding down / Fran Santiago/GettyImages

Of the pair, Vazquez's summer departure is seen as most likely. Madrid are banking on signing Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, which will send Vazquez tumbling down the pecking order.

As for Modric, he is still seen as an important squad member, but Madrid's desire to rejuvenate their struggling squad has opened the door to a possible exit.

Madrid have a loaded midfield unit - Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham - and they are even hoping to add Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi to the mix, further limiting Modric's minutes next season.

It is claimed Madrid will make it clear to Modric that, while he is free to remain at the club, he will have to accept a salary cut and a new role as an emergency backup if he wants to shake hands on a new contract.

Modric's plan has always been to remain with Madrid until the end of next season and the 2026 World Cup, but he will be forced into a decision on his future after the Club World Cup.