Manchester United keeping tabs on Croatian prodigy compared to Real Madrid icon Luka Modric: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina, who has been likened to Croatia and Real Madrid great Luka Modric in the recent past.
Baturina, 21, has cemented himself as one of the best up-and-coming Croatian stars since making his club debut for Dinamo Zagreb in May 2021. He has helped his boyhood club lift seven trophies so far.
A right-footed advanced playmaker blessed with technique and dribbling, Baturina has been dubbed as the 'next Luka Modric' over the last year or so. He has scored 16 goals and laid out 32 assists in 126 overall outings, including 93 starts, for Modric's former club so far.
Now, according to Croatian outlet Germanijak, Manchester United's scouts have been keeping tabs on Baturina for quite a while. They were in attendance to witness the midfielder in action in Croatia's 2-1 UEFA Nations League loss against Portugal earlier this month.
Should Baturina secure a move to Manchester United in the future, he could prove to be a brilliant signing for them. He would offer healthy competition to Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in a number 10 role.
Meanwhile, Baturina's current contract is set to run out in June 2028.
Alan Shearer offers prediction for upcoming Manchester United match at Southampton
In his column for Metro, England legend Alan Shearer backed Manchester United to register a draw at Southampton in their Premier League clash on Saturday (September 14). He wrote:
"This is a huge game for both sides. Southampton have to start picking up points, especially now Leicester City don't look to be getting deducted any points. Southampton have been struggling to put the ball in the back of the net and finishing the chances they've created, so when they do get them, they have to start taking them. That's where they have to improve massively."
Shearer, who is Premier League's all-time highest goalscorer, added:
"I think Manchester United have been bang average so far this season, which is why there's a lot of talk around [Erik] ten Hag, so this is a huge game for both clubs and could have huge ramifications going forward. There'll be so much noise if United don't win this game, particularly with the start to the season Southampton have had too."
The Red Devils are 14th in the 2024-25 Premier League table with three points from three games, while Southampton are 19th with zero points.
Erik ten Hag's side have registered eight wins and eight draws in their last 16 meetings across competitions against the newly promoted side.