Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Luka Modric Is Superb Fallback Option

Manchester United are struggling to land a superstar to bolster their attack before the new season gets underway. Although Luka Modric isn't on the same level as some of the other players the club has been linked to, he represents a great backup plan.

The Red Devils have started turning their attention to the Real Madrid midfielder after efforts to land other big names—including his teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo—reached roadblocks, report Matt Hughes and James Ducker of The Times (subscription required).

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Manchester United are planning a £25 million bid to sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid after coming to the reluctant realisation that they are unlikely to secure any of their primary transfer targets.

United began the summer with genuine aspirations of marking the start of the David Moyes era at Old Trafford with a stellar signing such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Cesc Fabregas, but despite making several inquiries the club have been frustrated on all three fronts and forced to look elsewhere.

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Gareth Bale, Cesc Fabregas and Ronaldo represent the type of blockbuster move that would make a major statement in manager David Moyes' first summer with the club. They are elite players who could revitalize the United attack.

That said, time is starting to run short before the start of the new campaign and, shortly thereafter, the end of the summer transfer window. United don't want to get caught without making any notable additions and risk getting overtaken by another club.

That's why it's important to start targeting second-tier transfer options like Modric. He wouldn't provide the same amount of highlight-reel moments as somebody like Bale or Ronaldo, but he'd be a very solid addition to United.

Perhaps the best asset the Croatian international possesses is his versatility.

He excelled in a defensive role during his first season with Real, providing stability in the midfield and jump-starting attacks with precision passing. However, he's also capable of moving forward into the central role Fabregas would have been expected to fill.

Even though it might not sound like much on the surface, that type of interchangeable skill set is very useful for Moyes as he plans on a weekly basis. It gives managers far more flexibility, which is especially important as injuries begin to mount during a campaign.

Whether it's in a holding or attacking role, Modric is a tremendous distributor, using his terrific combination of vision and creativity to create chances. It would be a welcome addition at Old Trafford, with Robin van Persie ready to provide the finishing touch.

Again, he wouldn't bring the same type of individually dynamic play United had set their sights on when summer began. However, as it becomes clear those options are no longer realistic, the Red Devils have to redefine their goals. Modric would be a good one.

Moreover, a Modric pursuit doesn't mean the club can't continue to chase the likes of Fabregas and Bale. He would just ensure United get some type of upgrade in the midfield. After that, they can let everything else play out over the next month.

The Red Devils just don't want to enter the campaign without any major additions, further opening the Premier League door for the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Signing Modric would be a major step in the right direction.