Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Moyes now turns to Modric after Fabregas' 'public refusal'

August 10, 2013 19:40 IST
Luka Modric

Manchester United boss David Moyes is reportedly considering a move to bring Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric as the Old Trafford side's pursuit of Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas appearing to have come to an end.

According to the Guardian, after the former Arsenal captain publicly stated that he wanted to remain at Barcelona, Moyes has transferred his sights to Modric as he has made the purchase of a top-class goal-scoring midfielder his priority this summer. 

The offer would be of 25mn pounds

August 10, 2013 19:40 IST
Luka Modric

The report further said that any initial offer for Modric would have to be in the region of £25 million in a sharp fall from his £33 million transfer amount to his former club Tottenham Hotspur, given that the Croatian has come down the pecking order under former Real coach Jose Mourinho.

However, the report said that even though Moyes is an admirer of Modric, there is a view at United that the player can sometimes lack robustness and there are doubts regarding his goal return when at Spurs, where he managed only 13 in 123 league starts for the club. 

Running out of time

August 10, 2013 19:40 IST
David Moyes

Meanwhile, the report mentioned that Moyes is aware that time is running out as he still attempts to add two midfielders to his squad with just over three weeks remaining until the transfer window closes, with Barcelona already rejecting bids of £26 million and £30 million for Fabregas before his statement.