Manchester United are chasing Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric. The Mail on Sunday says Modric is the player Manchester United want to sign to convince Wayne Rooney they are going to remain a major force.

The Tottenham midfielder is Sir Alex Ferguson's main summer target and will cost up to £50million after Chelsea set the benchmark last summer with an offer of £40m that Spurs rejected.

Modric has proved himself one of the best players in Europe and a huge fee will be required to finally persuade Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to sell.

But that has not put United off and concluding the deal would be a statement of intent for both Rooney and the club's rivals after their struggles in midfield this season.