Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is encouraged in his battle for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.

AS says Real Madrid's bid to sign Modric has hit the buffers with Nuri Sahin refusing to go to Tottenham in part-exchange. It's claimed Real are baulking at the huge asking price and United are viewing the developments as 'good news'.

Modric is said to be Sir Alex's No1 target, although Joao Moutinho is reportedly another option with an enquiry made to Porto.