Man Utd tried to sign Luka Modric but just missed out on future Ballon d’Or winner transfer, Harry Redknapp reveals
MANCHESTER UNITED'S legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Luka Modric during his final few years at Old Trafford.
That is according to SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp, who revealed Ferguson was "calling about" Modric before his retirement in 2013.
However, "for various reasons" Sir Alex couldn't seal the deal and the star midfielder stayed with Tottenham for four years under Redknapp when he was manager at White Hart Lane.
The Croatia legend quickly turned into one of the sport's greatest ever players under the popular gaffer and went to Real Madrid in 2012 to win five Champions League titles and the 2018 Ballon d'Or.
The ex-West Ham boss also admitted Fergie was keen to land Paolo Di Canio when he also shone bright under Redknapp at Upton Park.
But a move for Di Canio also didn't work out at a time when it was mainly the manager who scouted for talent compared to the modern times where clubs rely on team officials, like sporting directors.
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Redknapp told SunSport: "I remember Fergie calling about Luka Modric and Paolo Di Canio, but for various reasons he couldn’t get the deals done."
Modric amassed a total of 17 goals and 25 assists in 160 appearances across his four-year stint at Tottenham.
The now 38-year-old shone bright in north London next to other top stars, such as Gareth Bale, who also followed him at Real.
United really missed out as the Croat then registered a staggering 37 goals and 79 assists in 506 appearances for Los Blancos.
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Modric also led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final where they lost to France.
The midfield maestro also took his country to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, where they finished third.
And he is still active at Real despite his advanced age as he has made 13 appearances and played in five out of six Champions League group stage matches this season.