Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly been encouraged in his pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric.
AS claims Real Madrid's bid to sign Modric has hit the buffers with Nuri Sahin refusing to go to Tottenham in part-exchange.
It' is understood that the Spanish giants are baulking at the huge asking price and United are viewing the developments as 'good news'.
Modric is said to be Sir Alex's No 1 target, although Joao Moutinho is reportedly another option with an enquiry made to Porto.


