Man United chase Premier League duo after Dortmund addition

After tying up a deal for Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa this week, Sir Alex Ferguson has turned his attentions elsewhere in the Premier League, renewing interest in Leighton Baines and Luka Modric.

Manchester United won the race for Japanese star Kagawa, a highly-coveted all-action midfielder, by paying an initial £12million, which could eventually rise to £17million.

However, Ferguson is keen to further bolster his ranks, as he aims to wrestle back domestic dominance from local rivals and Premier League champions Manchester City.

Everton and England left-back Leighton Baines remains a serious target, whilst Tottenham’s Croatian international Luka Modric is still high on Ferguson’s wishlist.

United have yet to fully flex their financial muscle this summer, after Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard opted to move to Chelsea, saving the club in excess of £30million in transfer fees alone.

This cash is likely to be put towards a bid for one, or both of the aforementioned Premier League talents, who would each command hefty fees, given their favourable ages and experience at the top level.

Baines’ nationality will enhance his value too, with the Home Grown Player rule in enforcement, and Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright is thought to want around £20million for the left-back.

At 27 years old, Baines is entering the peak years of his career, and may find the chance to challenge for Premier League glory too appealing a prospect to turn down, should he get the opportunity to move to Old Trafford.

Modric meanwhile, has already outlined to friends that he would be willing to quit White Hart Lane, citing a preference to play Champions League football this coming season.

The Croatian handed in a transfer request last term, but after opting to stay put, turned in another season’s worth of sparkling displays, again drawing attention from some of the world’s biggest clubs.

He knows he could earn significantly more than the £40,000 a week he collects at Tottenham, and may soon get the chance to prove himself as a natural successor to the Red Devils’ legendary playmaker Paul Scholes.