Manchester United boss David Moyes faces another blow to his midfield search.

The Daily Mail says Moyes is eyeing Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric as an alternative to Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas.

It would take something approaching the £33m Real paid for Modric to prise him away, but a bigger stumbling block for United could be their reluctance to sell a player they feel could help Tottenham winger Gareth Bale settle into new surroundings at the Bernabeu.

Mindful of the intense media scrutiny he would have to contend with in foreign surroundings, they feel the presence of a familiar, friendly face would increase the chances of a successful transition.