Transfer News: Chelsea & Man Utd In Battle Over €63m Midfielder

With the January transfer in full swing, managers are strengthening their squads ahead of the second half of the season, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Chelsea and Manchester United are linked with Luka Modric…

Chelsea and Manchester United will battle it out over the €63m (£48m) signing of Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric this summer, according to reports.

The Blues came close to signing Modric back in 2011 but Tottenham refused to sell before they eventually agreed a deal with Spanish giants Madrid the following summer.

The Croatian international has excelled in La Liga and played a key role in helping Carlo Ancelotti’s men secure their tenth European Cup last season.

However, reports claim that Modric could be heading back to England as his wife isn’t settled in Spain, with FIFA agent Francois Gallardo telling reporters:

“Modric is the engine of Real Madrid, but the problem is his wife who does not fit into Madrid in Spain.” Gallardo is quoted as saying by the Express

Understandably, there will be no shortage of takers if he does seek a move and the Express claim that Chelsea and Manchester United are ready to fight it out over the 29-year-old at the end of the season.

The Blues obviously have a long-standing interest and the newspaper suggests they will once again try to lure Modric to Stamford Bridge with Mourinho supposedly making him his number midfield target next summer.

The league leaders currently have an excellent central midfield partnership in Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic but the addition of Modric would not only give them vital depth in that area but Mourinho would also have the option of deploying Fabregas in a more advanced role, as he has done on occasion this campaign.

The Express claim that Modric would command a fee in the region of €63m (£48m) but Chelsea could try and reduce the out lay by including long-term Madrid target Ramires in any deal.

However, the West Londoners will face stiff competition as it’s believed that Louis van Gaal is also keen to land Modric as he gets set to continue his rebuilding job at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman spent heavily when he arrived in the summer and is likely to be given a sizeable kitty if United finish in the top four, and Modric could be the missing piece in their midfield jigsaw.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

It’s certainly going to be interesting to see what happens with Modric in the summer as if his wife and family are struggling to settle in Spain, then a return to England could very-much be on the cards with Chelsea and United leading the chase for his signature.