Real Madrid hopeful of snatching leading Man Utd target

After appearing primed to secure a move to Manchester United this summer, Luka Modric now looks set for a move to Spain, with Real Madrid desperate to land the playmaker.

Modric has long been linked with a move away from Tottenham, having a transfer request rejected by the club last year, when Chelsea were most serious contenders for his signature.

The club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League again though, has caused Modric to reiterate his desire to leave White Hart Lane during the close season.

He is still coveted by United and Chelsea, but one of his closest friends, Mate Bilic, believes the £25million-rated midfielder may be ready to swap England for Spain.

“I’m very good friends with Modric,” Bilic told the Daily Mail.

“He wants to play in the Spanish league. He loves the Premier League but he wants to play in Spain. He’s very close to agreeing a move.”

These quotes come in the aftermath of reports that Real are very keen to bring in the playmaker, and his compatriot Davor Suker outlining a belief that Modric is good enough to be a ‘galactico.’

Also lending weight to the notion that Modric is set for a summer exit, is the fact that Spurs are currently managerless, with the popular Harry Redknapp relieved of his duties last week.

Redknapp worked wonders in getting the best out of Modric over the course of the past season, but with him gone, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy would now appear open to cashing in on one of his star assets.

Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, a long-term admirer of Modric, now seems set to test the North London club’s resolve, by bidding in excess of £25million for the player, though less than the £35million Levy hopes to recoup.

Mourinho hopes to partner Modric with Xabi Alonso in the heart of his midfield, and reportedly sees the Croatian as a key component in his bid to land a third Champions League title.

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