Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has dismissed any real chance of Luka Modric's departure by declaring that any buyer must pay his €750 million (£670m/$870m) release clause.
Modric’s star rose to new heights this summer in Russia as he helped lead Croatia to the tournament final, where they ultimately fell 4-2 to France.
However, the 32-year-old performances were enough to earn him the World Cup’s Golden Ball for most outstanding performer, and left a host of admirers in his wake.
One of those admirers were Serie A side Inter, who reportedly hoped Modric was prepared to tell the European champions he was ready for a change.
However, Perez appears to have dashed those hopes by sticking an exorbitant price tag on Modric that is sure to chase off any interested team.
"The only possibility that Modric leaves is by paying €750 million," Perez told reporters.
The midfielder, who remains on vacation following the World Cup until next week, has a contract that runs through June 2020.
Perez’s response leaves Inter likely to come away empty-handed from their attempts to land two of the world’s most renown midfielders.
While reports said the Serie A side had agreed a deal with Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal, Goal understands the Chilean midfielder is close to joining Real Madrid’s La Liga rivals Barcelona.