Real Madrid chiefs are furious with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Real believed they were close to striking terms with Tottenham for Luka Modric, only for Ferguson to make a serious approach over the weekend, says AS.

Real are offering cash plus Ricardo Carvalho for Modric, but the move has stalled with Ferguson now showing his hand.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is back in for the playmaker as he desperately seeks a successor for Paul Scholes.

Real chiefs are convinced Ferguson's move is personal with the Scot publicly waging a war with the Spanish giants since 2003 when David Beckham quit Old Trafford.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure in 2006 and Real's deal for Cristiano Ronaldo, which led Fergie to famously declare they landed him on the cheap for £80 million, still burns up the Scot.