United close to signing Mateo Kovacic

Manchester United have emerged as the most likely destination for Dinamo Zagreb playmaker Mateo Kovacic, who has been dubbed as the next Luka Modric.

Kovacic has apparently drawn the interest of several European giants including Arsenal, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has apparently taken a personal interest in the player and will look to sign him next summer. The youngster is valued at £10 million, a price that Arsenal refused to pay in the summer.

“United have made it clear they are looking at Kovacic in a big way and they think he is a future star,” a source told Goal.com. “His age and price tag means January will probably be too soon but the feedback is that the player's preference would be a move to Old Trafford and United are favourites to sign him.”

Kovacic's agent Marcel Kacinari is also open to the idea of an England move, telling Goal.com, "It is most likely that he will go to England where the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are leading the race. Dinamo Zagreb have done business in the past with several Premier League teams."