Bid is an opening salvo and Fergie will go higher for the
Croatia star PLUS Reds won't pay Everton above £15m for Baines
because of his age
Manchester United are ready to test Tottenham’s
resolve to keep Luka Modric – with a £22million bid.
The Croatia midfielder has been on Sir Alex Ferguson's
wish-list for some time.
But although Tottenham value him at around £30m, United
are unwilling to pay that much for the 26-year-old playmaker.
United believe Spurs' failure to secure Champions
League football next season has eased their task of landing
Modric.
The player tried to force through a move to Chelsea
last summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to let him
leave.
It seems Modric is now ready to submit another transfer
request, with Tottenham unlikely to stand in his way for a second
summer.
However, Spurs will hold out for as much money as they
can, and United are certain to have to increase their initial
offer.
Ferguson has already signed Japan midfielder Shinji
Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and is keen to add Modric and Everton
and England defender Leighton Baines.
Ferguson wants Baines to replace left-back Patrice
Evra, who has been first choice in the position for the past five
seasons but looked vulnerable last season.
Nothing lasts for Evra: Baines could be Manchester
United's left-back next season
Everton, who are adamant that Baines is not for
sale, value the 27-year-old at around £20m - a figure United are
not prepared to pay.
Although there is always a higher premium on English
players, United value Baines at no more than £15m, as his age means
he's unlikely to have re-sale value.
Baines, who arrived with the England squad in Krakow on
Wednesday ahead of Monday’s Euro 2012 opener against France, said
he was “flattered” to have been linked with United.
A deal for him is unlikely to be done until England’s
participation in the tournament concludes.
