Manchester United could be ready to break the bank for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, according to the Daily Mail.

The Croatian, 26, has reportedly been identified as the player to fill the hole in the United midfield but Spurs are unlikely to entertain bids of less than £50m.

The playmaker has emerged into one of the best performers in England and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could attempt to keep unsettled Wayne Rooney on side by making Modric his priority signing.

The former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder joined Tottenham in 2008.