epa03796387 Real Madrid's Luka Modric in action during their friendly soccer match against Bournemouth at the Goldsands stadium in Bournemouth, Britain, 21 July 2013. EPA/LINDSEY PARNABY NO ONLINE/INTERNET USE WITHOUT A LICENSE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO.LTD.
Having a Luk: But could United lure Modric from Madrid? (Picture: EPA)

Manchester United are reportedly readying a £25million bid for Luka Modric after failing to land their primary transfer-window targets.

New United boss David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward have seen Bayern Munich pip them to the signing of Thiago Alacantara, from Barcelona, and they now accept their bid to lure Cesc Fabregas from the Nou Camp is dead.

Proposed mega-money swoops for Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale have failed to materialise, with neither player currently keen on a switch to Old Trafford, while a mooted Moyes raid on former club Everton for Marouane Fellaini has apparently been mere paper talk.

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

Reality check: Moyes is facing up to the prospect of not bringing in any major signings (Picture: AP)
Reality check: Moyes is facing up to the prospect of not bringing in any major signings (Picture: AP)

Modric has failed to cement a regular starting place at the Bernabeu since his £33m move from Spurs last August – although he finished last term strongly and new Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is a long-term admirer of the diminutive Croatian.

Last season, Modric declared himself open to a move back to the Premier League, but, despite United’s interest, it’s understood their scouts still harbour some doubts over the 27-year-old’s big-match temperament and his lack of goals.

And yesterday Moyes seemed to be preparing fans for the prospect of no major signings arriving this summer.

The Scot said: ‘The squad Manchester United has, without any additions, will be tough opponents for any team this year.’