Inter ready to launch fresh Modric bid

Modric emerged as a top target for the Italians during the summer, with his impressive performances during Real Madrid's successful defence of the Champions League and Croatia's march to the World Cup final reminding the doubters that he very much belongs among the very best midfielders in the world.

That status was further bolstered as he lifted FIFA's Best Men's Player award recently, beating out Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah in order to do so.

Understandably, Real Madrid refused to cash in on the playmaker during the transfer window, having already lost talisman Ronaldo to Juventus. Now, though, Italian newspaper 'Corriere dello Sport' claims that Inter are to return with a fresh offer, having already made a verbal agreement with the player over terms during the summer.

Whilst it is unclear what has changed to convince Madrid to sell this time, the same source also claims that 'Los Blancos' would only allow Modric to leave should they lure either Neymar or Kylian Mbappe to the club first.

The Spanish giants are currently on their worst run in front of goal since 1985, with a new striker having been made a major priority for when the transfer window reopens.

The European champions have previously denied having made offers for both players, but it is understood that they are monitoring the duo very closely and that both footballers remain very much of interest going forward.

Given the difficulty of pushing complex deals over the line in January any move is likely to have to wait for next summer, with Inter's sporting directo Piero Ausilio having already all but ruled out signing Modric in January.