Man Utd's answer to ending City's Silva ware

Joao Moutinho talks to the media during a UEFA Euro 2012 press conference at the National Stadium in this file photo. (GETTY)

Published Tuesday, July 03, 2012

By Staff

Portugal's attacking midfielder Joao Moutinho could become the next Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

Not in terms of bombing down the flanks, or diving, but in terms of impact.

What United lacked last season was the flair and creativity in midfield of a David Silva... at least until Paul Scholes was called upon.

Moutinho could be the answer.

United are preparing a £25 million bid after being frustrated with Spurs’ demands for Luka Modric, The Sun (https://bit.ly/QXZKfi) reported in an exclusive.

Modric was Sir Alex Ferguson’s No 1 summer target and United were ready to bid £25m rising to £30m.

But Spurs have now quoted £40m for the Croatian and United will not pay that, the report added.

Moutinho would follow Ronaldo on the successful track from Portugal to Old Trafford.

Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in the player, who this week praised Andre Villas-Boas.

Prospective new Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas wants the 25-year-old to become his first White Hart Lane signing by replacing the outgoing Modric

AVB is set to take over at White Hart Lane and was Moutinho’s old boss at Porto.

But, despite that, Moutinho still prefers the move to United, according to The Sun.

AVB, who signed Moutinho for Porto back in 2010, will have to convince the player to choose Spurs over Champions League trio Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Liverpool are also interested in the former Sporting Lisbon man, who impressed at Euro 2012 before Portugal's semi-final elimination at the hands of Spain.

Moutinho has a £40million buy-out clause in his contract, and Porto are thought to want around £32m for their star man.

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