Premier League return in prospect for Real Madrid superstar

Much was made of the Luka Modric’s £33 million move to Real Madrid in August, but things haven’t worked out as well as the Croatian playmaker would have liked.

Only eight starts for the Bernabeu side led to Modric being voted ‘La Liga’s worst signing of 2012,’ and the former Tottenham man could now be ready to end his Spanish nightmare.

Modric has admitted his struggle to adapt to life at Real, which in turn has alerted a host of Premier League clubs to his availability.

And another transfer saga surrounding the Croat could be set to ensue, with a move unlikely to occur until the summer at the earliest.

Both Manchester clubs are thought to have re-ignited their interest in Modric, whose sale could generate cash to allow the Spanish giants to bid for Gareth Bale.

Sir Alex Ferguson has long-admired the 27-year-old midfield schemer, and could see the ex-Spurs man as an ideal replacement for the ageing Paul Scholes.

Ferguson is desperate to strengthen his midfield, and will closely monitor Modric’s situation in Spain, with a bid of around £20 million likely, should he remain out of favour.

Roberto Mancini maintains a strong interest in the player too meanwhile, after he failed to challenge Los Blancos for his signature last summer.

The financial might at his disposal could make City stronger candidates as potential suitors rather than local rivals United.

And Chelsea are also keen to be kept abreast of Modric’s situation, considering he is a player they coveted for well over a year before his eventual Spanish switch.

However, any move from the Stamford Bridge club could depend on the future of talismanic midfielder Frank Lampard.

Lampard has only six months to run on his Blues deal, and whilst remaining immensely popular with Chelsea supporters, it is starting to look unlikely he will be offered a new contract.

A big-name signing would be required to fill the void that Lampard would potentially leave, and Modric could prove an ideal replacement.

For certain, there is no shortage of clubs willing to provide Modric with a passageway back into English football.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.