Manchester United could turn their attention to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric after failing to land their primary transfer-window targets.

Reports say that Manchester United are planning a ￡25 million bid to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur star Modric as manager David Moyes looks to add to his midfield options.

Modric has failed to cement a regular starting place at the Bernabeu since his ￡33m move from Spurs last August and declared himself open to a move back to the Premier League.

The Premier League champions began the summer with genuine aspirations of marking the start of the David Moyes era at Old Trafford with a stellar signing such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Cesc Fàbregas, but despite making several inquiries the club have been frustrated on all three fronts and forced to look elsewhere.

Madrid playmaker Modric, who was the subject of United interest during his spell at Tottenham, is Moyes’ back-up plan.