Devils are a step down – Modric
> Croatian tells Rodriguez that moving to United would be a downgrade
LUKA MODRIC has warned James Rodriguez that a move to Manchester United would be a step down. € Belgium international before United swooped last week.
The Red Devils turned their attention to the Everton striker after failing to convince Real Madrid to sell Alvaro Morata.
And according to The Independent reporter Miguel Delaney, the deal was orchestrated by Mourinho himself, who played a hands-on role in snatching Lukaku from his former club.
“Jose took much more of a hands-on role in the transfers,” Delaney told football podcast Second Captains.
“He said to Ed Woodward that Real aren’t going to budge [on Morata] and they pushed on for Lukaku.”
Meanwhile United have announced their squad for the pre-season tour of the United States - but for the first time in 13 years there isn’t a place for Wayne Rooney. The now former club captain’s move to Everton was finally confirmed on Sunday afternoon just moments before United’s announcement.
United jetted out to the United States yesterday to begin an 18-day stay which will include friendlies with MLS sides Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, plus matches against Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup.
New signing Victor Lindelof is included after his £31m move from Benfica but there is no place for Lukaku with his £75m move from Everton yet to be officially confirmed.
The Belgian is likely to be added at a later date and is already in California holidaying with friend and new teammate Paul Pogba. He confirmed early on Sunday that he has completed his medical. – Agencies