Real Madrid Transfer News: Manchester United Want Luka Modric, Latest Rumours

Jose Mourinho is reportedly talking to players from former club Real Madrid about a possible move to Old Trafford, as the coach is rumoured to be taking over at Manchester United next summer. Playmaker Luka Modric and centre-back Raphael Varane are said to have been in discussions with the Portuguese, while United still remain keen on winger Gareth Bale.

A report from Spanish publication Sport (h/t Metro's Will Giles) states Mourinho "has already held talks" with Modric and Varane. The same report insists Bale is still a top target for the Old Trafford club, even though convincing Madrid to sell will be a tough task.

According to Giles: "It’s also claimed that United are continuing to prioritise a move for Bale, although Madrid president Florentino Perez is reluctant to sell the Welshman."

Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star has claimed Mourinho would be handed a transfer budget worth up to £300 million. That's enough to fund such an ambitious raid on the Spanish capital.

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But Mourinho hasn't even been given the job with the Red Devils yet, despite some strong links. Sam Cunningham of the Daily Mail reported Mourinho has even told friends he's "certain" he'll get the job. Yet, James Cooper of Sky Sports News HQ (h/t SkySports.com) has stated United remain happy with Van Gaal and are "relaxed about their managerial situation."

Even if Mourinho takes over in Manchester, Madrid won't want to part ways with Modric. The Croatian pass-master has become an essential part of manager Zinedine Zidane's team, per B/R's Sam Tighe:

He blasted a winner during a recent 2-1 league win in Granada, further evidence of the ex-Tottenham Hotspur schemer's renaissance since Zidane took over.

It was a decisive contribution that saw Modric lauded in Spain, per Spanish publication AS:

ESPN FC's Eduardo Alvarez expects Modric to get even better: "Back in shape, working with a coach who believes in his ability as much as any other he's ever played under and adored by the Bernabeu faithful, Modric now enjoys the perfect situation to shine and perhaps score a few more deciding goals."

Modric is indeed a key figure for a club that prides itself on producing stylish and attractive, passing football. His vision is exceptional, but more than anything else, Modric is a steadying influence in a squad otherwise loaded with forward-thinking players.

One such attack-minded talent is the frustratingly brittle Bale. The jet-heeled Welshman is struggling to overcome a calf problem, according to Eurosport's Michael Da Silva.

Bale's pace, direct style and eye for goal would make him perfect for Mourinho's brand of counter-attacking football. But there's also no doubt Madrid are a better team when the world's most expensive player is fit and available.

Bale's career at the Santiago Bernabeu has been stop-start, littered with plenty of disappointment, but also punctuated with some thrilling moments. Still just 26, Bale should be central to future success for Los Blancos.

Ensuring that success demands keeping vital players out of Mourinho's reach. Madrid need Bale to stay fit and hit top form, but keeping Modric as the conductor of midfield will be just as important.