United struggle to secure Moura, Real confident of Modric move and Carroll looking for Toon return

Manchester United’s chief scout Jim Lawlor has spent the last week in Brazil monitoring Sao Paulo’s creative youngster Lucas Moura, according to the Daily Mail.

However, the chase could be in vain, as the 19-year-old’s asking price will jump up to a massive £34m on August 1st due to a clause in his contract that gives the player a percentage of any sale.

It seems playmakers are the order of the day, with Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas continuing his pursuit of fellow countryman Joao Moutinho, the Guardian reports.

The midfielder showed impressive form for Portugal at Euro 2012, scoring six fantasy football points on his way to driving his side to the semi-finals.

Porto are said to be asking for €30m for their prize asset, but that might be covered by the sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid.

Real president Florentino Perez is confident of landing the dynamic Croatian, who scored 24 fantasy football points in his 36 games for Spurs last season.

The North London side will ask Madrid to match the £40m that Chelsea offered for the player last summer, though the Spanish champions are expected to propose a structured deal that will increase in value depending on his achievements with the team.

Andy Carroll and Robin van Persie may have had very different seasons in 2011/12, but the two are proving equally accomplished at leaving their mark on the transfer window.

The Newcastle Chronicle is reporting that Carroll has asked his representatives to find him a way home to the North East, but Liverpool are apparently looking to recoup at least £20m of the £35m that they spent on the 23-year-old just 18 months ago.

Meanwhile, according to The Times, Arsenal have tabled a £9m bid for Brazilian Paulinho, who can play in midfield or up front, fuelling further speculation that van Persie is on his way out of the Emirates.

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