Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson refuses to pay over the odds for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric. The Manchester Evening News says even without the interest of Real Madrid, United would be reluctant to meet Tottenham's valuation of more than £30m for the Croatian international.

It was always the case that Spurs would have to significantly reduce their expectations for Ferguson to do business.

Croatian media sources say he has already made one £22 million offer for Modric this week.