Real Madrid's Perez says Inter tried to sign Modric 'without paying'

Italy's transfer window closed two weeks ago, but the ongoing saga between Real Madrid and Inter Milan over Croatian midfielder Luka Modric doesn't appear headed toward a levelheaded resolution anytime soon.

During Thursday's Champions League group-stage draw, in which Modric was also named UEFA's Player of the Year, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez poured more fuel on the fire brewing between his club and the Nerazzurri, accusing the Serie A club of attempting to orchestrate the bargain of the summer without his consent.

"They tried to sign our number 10 without paying for him," Perez said, according to the Evening Standard's Ben Hayward. "It's the first time something like that has ever happened to me in my life."

Relations between the two clubs soured this summer following Inter's reported interest in the World Cup's Golden Ball winner. Perez stated earlier this month it would take a mammoth €750-million offer to pry the 32-year-old from his side, but Inter continued to show a desire to add Modric.

Croatian winger Ivan Perisic looked to confirm Inter's interest in his compatriot earlier this month when he posted a photo posing alongside fellow Croatians Marcelo Brozovic and newcomer Sime Vrsaljko. In the photo, Modric's official Instagram account is tagged, and Perisic subtly hints someone is missing in the caption.

Days later, Real Madrid reportedly filed an official complaint to FIFA, alleging Inter made an illegal pursuit of their playmaker.

Their grievance appeared to also have the support of La Liga president Javier Tepas, who alleged that the Italian club engaged in "trickery." Tepas' comments invoked a firm response from Inter's brass, however, with the club threatening legal action.