Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly stepped up talks in the last few hours to persuade Toni Kroos to seal a transfer from Real Madrid.
The Germany international is also a top target for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, but Don Balon have this morning claimed United have stepped up their interest in the last few hours.
The Spanish outlet do stress, however, that there could be one major obstacle to getting the deal done as it seems United are some way off paying Real’s asking price for the moment.
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Don Balon claim Los Blancos want around £107million for Kroos, but United are currently only willing to pay closer to £71m, plus possible variables.
It remains to be seen if some compromise can be struck, but there’s no question the 28-year-old would make a superb addition to United or City.
Mourinho could do with more options in midfield after only managing to sign Fred this summer after the retirement of Michael Carrick and the major dip in form from Paul Pogba last season.
City, meanwhile, could also arguably do with more options due to relying on the ageing Fernandinho in that role last season, while Yaya Toure has left the club and Ilkay Gundogan has had his problems with injury.
Kroos is one of the very best players in the world in his position and it would make sense perhaps for him to test himself in the Premier League after winning the Champions League three times in a row with Madrid.
Intriguingly, this update comes as Zlatan Ibrahimovic posted a video assuring fans that Mourinho has something big planned this summer, hinting at a possible exciting transfer.
If that means Kroos, it would certainly fit the bill…
Ibrahimovic: “Be ready for this season because something special will happen. The boss has something going on. We keep that a secret and enjoy.” ? #mufc [Ig] pic.twitter.com/U8uXAbrF35
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) July 24, 2018