Manchester United are reportedly interested in veteran Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who could be available on a free transfer next summer.
According to El Nacional, Ralf Rangnick wants to sign veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modric to shore up his midfield options next summer. The Real Madrid star is yet to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the new Manchester United interim boss believes he could be a fantastic addition in the short term.
Luka Modric, 36, has never given the impression of falling out of love with the game. Even at an advanced stage of his career, the Croat continues to play at the highest level, with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti considering him an important part of his side.
Recent reports have stated that Real Madrid were planning to extent Modric’s deal by another season, but nothing has been agreed yet. Inter Milan were said to be keen on signing him last summer before the midfielder signed a new contract. He could find himself mulling on extending his stay at Real Madrid even as many clubs line up to lure him away.
This time, there is significant interest from the Premier League over a summer transfer. Real Madrid will certainly not let one of their most important stars leave in January, irrespective of the financial offers they might receive. So if Modric is to go, then it would be in the summer.
Newcastle United are linked with a move, and while they may be able to afford him a lucrative financial package, their status next season as a Premier League club is still in big doubt. Tottenham are also reportedly keen to bring him back to the club, although Modric wants to distance himself from links with the north Londoners.
Manchester United are the latest club to show an interest as new interim boss Ralf Rangnick is a keen admirer of the Real Madrid midfielder. The German tactician has joined the Red Devils on a six-month managerial role before he becomes a consultant at the club for the following two years.
It is believed that Manchester United have given the German massive control to re-shape their squad and making decisions on transfers. Rangnick is reportedly prioritising stabilising the midfield as he eyes a mix of experienced and long-term options to shore up the quality of the side.
Kalvin Phillips is one of their priority targets, with a bid being readied as well. Rangnick also wants to bring Modric to add some much-needed experience to the midfield unit. The Croat’s ever-improving displays at the topmost level of the game has convinced the new Manchester United interim boss about his value in the short-term future.
Rangnick also has his sights set on RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara. With several midfielders linked, it is clear that Manchester United are keen to bolster their options in the middle of the park as soon as possible. However, it remains to be seen if Modric could be a realistic option.
Over at Real Madrid, Ancelotti has reportedly urged club president Florentino Perez to extend Modric’s contract. There is a belief that the veteran midfielder wants to end his career at the Bernabeu, which could hamper Manchester United’s plans to sign him on a free transfer next summer, as he could have been the perfect option to lead the midfield, at least for a few years.
