Manchester City have joined the battle for Tottenham midfield schemer Luka Modric.
The Daily Mail says City boss Roberto Mancini has identified the skilful Croat as the creative talent who can help spearhead City's assault on the Champions League and Barclays Premier League title next season and is ready to start the bidding at around £30million.
But the Italian won't have an easy run to Modric as Chelsea and Manchester United are determined to sign the 25-year-old.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, in particular, is an admirer of Modric and will match City all the way in a bidding war that Tottenham will find hard to resist.
Sir Alex Ferguson fears being priced out of the move as he lines up other targets, with City ready to treble Modric's £55,000-a-week salary and Abramovich set on Champions League success.
