• Premier League

Moyes: United not afraid of spending

David Moyes and Manchester United have returned to England © Getty Images

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David Moyes insists that Manchester United are not afraid of Europe's big spenders despite their struggle to buy this summer - and says their history and identity gives them allure to players.

The Scot is yet to make a major signing at Old Trafford and has seen bids for Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas and Everton's Leighton Baines rejected, and Thiago Alcantara join Bayern Munich instead of United.

The Times reported Moyes has turned his attentions to Real Madrid's Luka Modric in his ongoing search for a midfielder.

But although Moyes' only addition is Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela and newly-rich clubs like Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain have been spending heavily, the former Everton manager is adamant he is not worried by their financial muscle.

He told PA Sport: "That is not something Manchester United are frightened of. Manchester United are more than happy to compete with all of the teams. There has been a change in the dynamic because of PSG coming on the scene recently. That has altered things. But Manchester United will always compete.

"One thing it has got is the history. It has got the name. It has got the success. Players do want to be connected to that and one day say they have played for Manchester United. That is a big pull for any player."

Moyes has returned to England at the end of United's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia and is reportedly preparing for talks with the club's chief executive Ed Woodward and Wayne Rooney.

The unsettled striker was said to be upset when Moyes suggested he might be a back-up to Robin van Persie but the Scot has insisted he does not want to sell the England forward and has rejected a bid from Chelsea for him.

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