Manchester United are planning to revive their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos this summer, according to The Independent.

What's the story?

In 2014, Kroos was thought to be close to joining United under then-manager David Moyes, but the deal never transpired.

The midfielder has been at the Bernabeu for the past three-and-a-half years after joining from Bayern Munich.

The Independent reports that United will jump back in the market for Kroos, with the aim of making him one of their marquee players that will boost the club's commercial value.

It is believed that the Spanish giants have no intention of selling the 27-year-old, but United will reportedly try to change their minds when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

United certainly have the financial clout to get a deal done given that they splashed out on £89m to re-sign Paul Pogba from Juventus last year.

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How realistic is this transfer?

There is no doubt that United can lure top talent to Old Trafford, but like so many cases when it comes to high calibre players, they may need to secure Champions League football.

At the moment, Mourinho and his men have a big chance of doing so as they reside just two points off fourth with 13 games left to play.

Last week, club legend Paul Scholes told Republik of Mancunia that Kroos would be a decent replacement for Michael Carrick, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.

Scholes has a point. Like Carrick, the Germany international can dictate play from deep in midfield and his years of playing at elite level means that he would comfortably slot into the position at Old Trafford.

Kroos is already at one of the best clubs in the world, so it is difficult to gauge whether or not he would favour a switch to United, but if he has a desire to play Premier League football, joining the Red Devils would be one of the better options.

This season, the midfielder has started 16 La Liga games, as well as five Champions League fixtures and four Copa del Rey outings.

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