Manchester United prepare triple summer swoop for Luka Modric, Jordan Henderson and Jack Rodwell

Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a £35 million bid for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, as a replacement for Paul Scholes – according to a report in The News of the World

.

The Scot is said to be looking to reshape his midfield with three key new signings in the next transfer window, and apparently has his sights set on Modric, Everton’s Jack Rodwell 

and Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson.

Modric is enjoying a phenomenal season at White Hart Lane, and is one of Tottenham's prime assets - but also a top target for the Manchester United manager.

The interest from Old Trafford will not suit Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, but Tottenham may be forced to give in to a big enough bid from United if they fail to re-qualify for the Champions League next season.

Sir Alex knows how difficult it will be to prise the Croatian international away from the capital, but may offer a player in part-exchange, including out-of-favour former Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick in a whopping deal which could see 25-year-old Modric tear up the six-year contract he signed with Spurs last summer.

Meanwhile Henderson has been on Ferguson’s radar for some time now, and may join the Red Devils in the summer for a fee predicted to be around £15m.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has already expressed his delight with the 20-year-old's form so far this season, and his hoping to keep him at the Stadium of Light - but realises that his talent may be just too big for the Black Cats to hold on to for much longer.

Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck and Johnny Evans may see their Manchester United careers come to a sudden halt as one or more of them could also be included in a part-exchange deal.

Everton will look for a full £25m return if they cash in their most prized asset, Rodwell, as they look to free up much-needed capital to fund future investment in the squad.

Manager David Moyes has openly bemoaned the club’s financial position in recent weeks, and it may require the sale of Rodwell to enable Everton to make a summer move for the striker they need.

Aston Villa's Ashley Young is also on Ferguson's radar as a long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs, despite the 37-year-old Welshman having signed a new 12-month contract extension this week.