17 December 2023 , 07:41
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Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has lifted the lid on Sir Alex Ferguson's attempts to sign Luka Modric for Manchester United.
The Croatia international, 38, is widely recognised as one of the finest midfielders of his generation after a decade of success at Real Madrid. But before he was strutting his stuff in Spain, Modric was pulling the strings in the Premier League for Spurs.
Modric was a key player during Redknapp's years at the helm in north London. To the surprise of nobody, Europe's elite soon came sniffing around the playmaker - including United. However, the Red Devils and Ferguson were unable to get a deal done.
Although Redknapp recalled Ferguson's attempts to sign Modric before Los Blancos came calling, he couldn't offer any reasons behind the failed move. He previously told The Sun: "I remember Fergie calling about Luka Modric and Paolo Di Canio, but for various reasons he couldn’t get the deals done."
Modric spent four years at White Harte Lane before he was lured to the Bernabeu by Madrid. If there was any disappointment that a move to United never materialised, the horde of trophies Modric has won of the past 12 years will soften that blow.
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The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has just about every trophy there is to win sign donning the famous white shirt for the first time back in 2012. He's since made over 500 appearances for Real Madrid.
Join the debate! Where do you think Modric will be playing next season? Let us know here.
Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to signed Luka Modric before his blockbuster move to Real Madrid (Getty Images)While Modric has been an influential player during his decade-plus stint in Spain, it does appear as though the current season will be his last. His contract is up in the summer and Real seemingly have no plans to offer the veteran maestro an extension.
Like Mohamed Salah, Modric was the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League over during the summer transfer window and is expected to be targeted again in the New Year.
Intriguingly, his agent, Borja Couce, recently implied that his client would be open to such a move, telling Shoot: "Saudi clubs? This summer there was interest in Modric with the aim of signing him. The player has several offers, from a club from the capital and another club. Modric is currently thinking about Real Madrid, but the idea of him moving to the Saudi Pro League is possible if the offer is suitable."