Manchester United are planning a £25 million bid to sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid after realising that they are unlikely to secure any of their primary transfer targets.

United began the summer with genuine aspirations of marking the start of the David Moyes era at Old Trafford with a stellar signing such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Cesc Fàbregas, but despite making several inquiries they have been made to realise that none of them will move to Old Trafford.

United have now turned their attention to former Spurs midfielder Luka Modric, who has not found the space he wanted since moving to Spain and would love a return to the English premiership.