Manchester: Manchester United are ready to give up their summer pursuit of Tottenham star Luka Modric and have made Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder their main target for the rest of the summer.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had an enquiry for Modric dismissed out of hand by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and the Scot fears it would take a whopping £50 million to take the Croatian to Old Trafford.
Modric had been Ferguson's first choice to replace Paul Scholes in United's central midfield and the 25-year-old has left himself open to a summer switch, declaring his desire to play for a Champions League club.
Goal.com understands that United believe that Modric will stay at Spurs next season and, even if he does leave north London, rivals Chelsea are a more realistic destination as billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is more likely to break the bank for the midfielder.
“Spurs are deadly serious about keeping Modric and it would take insane money for him to leave this transfer window,” a source told Goal.com. “No club in their right mind would pay what Tottenham want, certainly not United without a multi-billionaire backer.”
Ferguson will continue to monitor Modric's situation but will now focus on other options, most notably Sneijder, who is believed to be extremely keen on a move to the Premier League champions.
United would be willing to pay Inter £30-35m for Sneijder but face a major stumbling block over meeting the Dutch star's wages, which are widely reported to be £170,000-a-week after tax.
Sneijder, 27, feels ready for a new challenge and has angered the Italian giants by refusing to rule out a move away from San Siro to the Premier League, where Chelsea are also known admirers.
“The Inter fans have always treated me very well,” he said last week. “They were wonderful and I want to simply thank them.
“Then, only God will decide where my future lies.”
Ferguson believes United are going through a pivotal rebuilding phase and is ready to spend £60m this summer, in addition to cash raised from player sales.
Phil Jones became the first arrival as his £16.5m move from Blackburn was officially confirmed on Monday, while deals are in place to sign winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa for £16m and goalkeeper David de Gea from Atletico Madrid for £18.3m.
United have also been strongly linked with Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez but Ferguson's priority for the rest of the window is to secure at least one central midfielder. Liverpool-bound Charlie Adam has been considered by the Old Trafford hierarchy while the latest reports in Europe have credited United with an interest in Sochaux playmaker Marvin Martin.
Spurs, meanwhile, will continue to dig their heels in over Modric and could kill their interest in Chelsea striker Didier Drogba to hold on to the former Dinamo Zagreb man, who cost £16.5m when he arrived in the summer of 2008.
Manager Harry Redknapp insists it is crucial the Londoners keep star players like Modric and Gareth Bale, while adding two or three new faces, if they are to challenge for a top four finish next season.
The Spurs boss has prioritised improving the club's strikeforce and is hopeful of concluding a £12m deal for Leandro Damiao, the Brazilian international who plays for Internacional.
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