Manchester United eyeing Croatian playmaker

Manchester United are leading the race to land young Croatian playmaker Mateo Kovacic, according to Goal.com.

The 17-year-old, who has been hailed as 'the next Luka Modric', currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb, but he is reportedly being watched by a number of top European teams.

Dinamo value the player at £10m but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not expected to make a bid until next summer.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are preparing for Sunday's top-of-the-table Manchester derby at Old Trafford.