Red Devils Plan Modric Move - Report

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to make a summer move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric, according to the Daily Star. The Croatian has been linked with a switch away from White Hart Lane this summer, despite signing a long-term contract last year but has stated he will only consider his future after the European Championships.

Spurs, however, will be understandably reluctant to let their man go; it might take a fee in the region of £40mn if Modric himself pushes for a transfer. Unfortunately for Ferguson, United will not table a bid in excess of £30mn. It is hoped Spurs' lack of Champions League football next season could boost United's chances of getting their man.

Champions League winners Chelsea were keen on signing Modric last summer and had two bids rejected but after spending in excess of £30mn on Lille's Eden Hazard and given the possibility of another mega-bid for Porto forward Hulk, it is unlikely the Blues will enter this race.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have emerged as frontrunners to sign Valencia's highly-rated wing-back Jordi Alba. United are also understood to be keeping tabs on the Spaniard who is a part of his country's Euro 2012 squad but Valencia's sporting director Braulio Vazquezhas has tipped the Catalan giants as favourites to snap up the player.

"I suppose Barcelona want him because he's Catalan and plays on the left wing. We are obviously talking about an excellent player, and it's only normal that Barcelona are keen to sign him," Gaol.com quoted Vazquez as saying. The report claims Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with the player but are yet to table an official bid.

Alba made 32 La Liga appearances last season, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Ferguson had identified the 23 year old as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra but may have to look elsewhere now.

However, there is positive news for United as veteran Paul Scholes has signed a new 12-month deal at Old Trafford. Stand-in goalkeeper Ben Amos has also agreed to a three-year contract extension.