Manchester United and Benfica want Croatian wizard

Bengaluru, February 23: English Premier League giants Manchester United are reportedly ready to battle Benfica for Dinamo Zagreb's Croatian wonderkid Nikola Moro.

The 19-year-old has played 36 league games for Dinamo Zagreb and has been dubbed as the "new Luka Modric".

Portuguese mediahouse Record reports that the Red Devils are among many of Europe's top sides monitoring the young defensive midfielder's situation.

Modric is seen as one of Croatia's finest players after a stint with Tottenham and then making his move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

He is an elite player with world-class passing ability and is a brilliant controller of the game.

Portuguese giants Benfica have also reportedly seen the potential in Moro who has made four appearances for Croatia Under-21s to emulate Modric's success.

But Manchester United are ready to go head-to-head for the youngster in a transfer tug-of-war.

Manchester United surely have the upper hand over Benfica in terms of financial pulling power but Benfica could offer him regular playing time which is needed for a young player.

Zagreb have also already turned down a £12.5million bid from Shakhtar Donestsk, showing the Croatian club will fight for a big fee for their star.

Manchester United are in a dire need of midfielders in the summer with Michael Carrick set to retire and Marouane Fellaini set to leave the club.

Paul Pogba's situation at the club is also doubtful right now which means that the Red Devils could move for three o four midfield players and Moro could be one of them.

Dinamo Zagreb have produced some amazing players in recent times and Moro is the next big thing. We have to wait and see where he ends up.