Door Slammed Shut On United's Pursuit of Croatian Midfielder

Manchester United will have no chance of landing Luka Modric if the midfielder has his way after he claimed he would like to stay at Real Madrid until he retires.

United were believed to have sounded out the Croatia international in the summer as David Moyes sought to build on a midfield that has being crying out for new talent in recent seasons. In the end the club were able to sign Marouane Fellaini but so far the former Everton man has yet to show he is what the side need to plug their holes in the middle of the park.

Reports suggest that United might make a play for Modric in the January transfer window after his first season at Madrid saw the 28 year old struggling to find the consistent form that made him such a valued player at Tottenham.

But Modric now claims that he wants to stay at Madrid for the rest of his professional career, effectively slamming the door shut on any interest from United.

"I have no doubt that the best thing that ever happened to me in football is to play in Madrid," Modric told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.

"Where will I be in four years? Here.

"Besides being a great club, my family feels amazing in Madrid.

'In football it is difficult to plan, but if you ask me, I would like to retire in Madrid. With titles, of course."

United are believed to still be monitoring Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera after failing in a deadline day bid for the Spaniard.

The side have suffered from the loss of their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and are currently sitting ninth in the table after just three wins so far this season.

Going into the international break on the back of coming from 1-0 down to beat Sunderland 2-1 will serve as a boost for the side though as they look to get back in the mix with the top four.