According to The Athletic, DC United are keen on signing Real Madrid’s Luka Modric as they look to replace Derby County forward Wayne Rooney with another elite player.
Rooney spent 18 months in Washington DC with the MLS side.
The England international was a big hit, both on and off the pitch. He helped DC qualify for the end of season playoffs while helping raise the profile of the club.
But Rooney made it clear his intentions to return to England. He signed an 18-month contract with the Rams as he looks to embark on a future coaching role.
DC United are said to have already replaced Rooney position wise. Former LA Galaxy striker Ola Kamara has arrived at the club and will be tasked with leading the line.
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But, with DC United benefiting from the commercial success of Rooney, they have now targeted Modric as their next European ‘megastar’ to fill the Derby player’s shoes.
Modric is in his final year at Madrid after signing a four-year extension in 2016.
The 34-year-old has been one of the world’s best midfielders over the past six or seven years. He has helped Real Madrid win an impressive four Champions League titles.
On the international stage, Modric captained Croatia to a World Cup final place in 2018. His success helped him land the 2018 Balon d’Or ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
This season, however, the midfielder has featured sparingly. He has made just eight La Liga starts and was a substitute in last month’s El Clasico with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
Modric’s time at Madrid is coming to an end. The MLS has been a popular destination for top European stars to wind down their career, and DC United could be the answer.
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