Manchester duo to battle for Toni Kroos?

Manchester United and Manchester City will battle it out for the services of Real Madrid playmaker Toni Kroos in January, The Star reports. The German international still has four years left on his Los Blancos contract.

Kroos, 26, joined the European champions from Bayern Munich in 2014, and had problems settling into life in the Spanish capital.

However, he seems to have adapted well to his stay in recent seasons, and he is now the key orchestrator in midfield for the Bernabeu giants.

According to The Star, the Mancunian pair are keeping a close eye on the player's situation with his representative still on the search for a favourable club for his client to move to.

Citizens boss Pep Guardiola had a good relationship with the German in his time at the Allianz Arena, and it is reported that he would rival the Red Devils, if the midfielder is to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are in discussions with the World Cup winner over a fresh six-year deal as they seek to commit his future to the club.