Luka Modric was the subject of at least three big-money offers from Chelsea this summer, but despite a public plea to allow him to leave, the playmaker's move to Stamford Bridge did not materialise. Harry Redknapp revealed that the Croatian had refused to play against Manchester United at the start of the season after becoming distracted by Chelsea's interest, and the Spurs boss also complained the player was being advised to engineer a transfer to the Blues. Redknapp admitted after the 5-1 defeat to Manchester City that the whole saga had left a bad atmosphere around the club, but Bale is confident that dark cloud has now lifted. Adebayor and Parker, who signed from Manchester City and West Ham earlier this month, have played a big part in lightening the mood in the Tottenham dressing room, the winger claims. "Adebayor is a great character. He gets along with everyone," Bale said. "He has lifted the spirits in the place. "He is a good character to have in the dressing room and we need someone like that so it's a great addition to our squad and hopefully he can keep on going. "He is a lively, bubbly character and it's great for him to be here. The longer he stays the better," While there have been doubts about Adebayor's temperament in the past, his goalscoring ability has never been in question. To emphasise that fact, the 27-year-old rattled in two goals on Sunday to take his Spurs tally to three from two games and Bale has been impressed with how quickly the former Arsenal man has adapted to playing for his new team, "On the pitch he has been fantastic," the Welshman added. "He can play the ball on the floor, in the air, and he has scored three goals in two games and that's exactly what we needed. "He and Jermain Defoe have struck up a good partnership too and hopefully they can continue to do that." Redknapp regularly complained last season that the Tottenham dressing room lacked an experienced lieutenant to provide leadership when they were in trouble. Bale believes the acquisition of 30-year-old Parker, who last year won the Football Writers' association Player of the year award, has solved that problem. "Scott is a leader. He shows that on the pitch. He is aggressive and he plays with his heart on his sleeve," Bale said. "He rallies us up before games and gets us motivated so they are two great signings for us and they have shown that already on the pitch. "We have a better team now than last year." Hanging on to Modric, who blasted a wonderful 20-yard goal to open the scoring on Sunday, has been just as important to the club as landing Adebayor and Parker, Bale says. "Keeping Luka was massive for the club and the team so we are aiming to achieve things and that's why we want our best players to stay," the 22-year-old said. "His goal against Liverpool was a great strike. The keeper had no chance. "Luka has been fine throughout all that has happened. He has been a true professional and has been great with everybody." Bale himself has been in flying form this season after missing large parts of the second half of last term with back and ankle injuries. The Wales winger's absence had a big effect on Spurs' failure to qualify for the Champions League, but he is sure that the club will be mixing it with Europe's best again next terms "There is no doubt in the dressing room that we can finish in the top four," Bale said. "We showed how good we are against Liverpool and Wolves last weekend and in patches against Man Utd and Man City. "We are all confident we can get in to the top four and I am sure that we will."
