Ferguson to bolster defence
Sir Alex Ferguson produced the perfect Christmas present for Manchester United by agreeing a fee with Spartak Moscow for highly-rated Serbia & Montenegro defender Nemanja Vidic.
The 24-year-old Vidic has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe after informing the Russian side of his intention to quit the club during next month's transfer window.
„I am delighted the two clubs have come to an agreement,” said Ferguson. „Nemanja is a quick, aggressive centre-half and at 24 will be a terrific addition to the squad.”
Although Champions League holders Liverpool and Serie A outfit Fiorentina both expressed an interest in the centre-back, United were able to pull off the coup.
The fee remains undisclosed, but it is believed to be around the £7million mark. Vidic will now fly into Manchester to discuss personal terms and have his medical, both of which appear to be formalities.
Providing there are no unforeseen hitches, Vidic is likely to be signed in time to play in the FA Cup tie at non-league Burton on January 8, with his first Premiership appearance coming in the following weekend's Manchester derby at Eastlands.
Vidic, who joined Spartak from Red Star Belgrade in July 2004, has seen his reputation soar after being an integral part of his national side's 'famous four' defence, which conceded just one goal in qualifying as the Eastern Europeans bagged a place at next summer's World Cup.
His arrival at Old Trafford will be widely welcomed as many supporters have pointed to a glaring weakness in central defence as one of the major reasons for the problems which have afflicted the Red Devils this season.
With Mikael Silvestre looking increasingly uncertain in recent weeks and Wes Brown's poor record with injuries counting against him, Ferguson needs a regular partner to bring the best out of Rio Ferdinand, who has too often dropped below the standard expected of a £30million player.
http://sport.virgin.net/story/SSS/A20244841135535359A
:thmbup: :thmbup:
Sir Alex Ferguson produced the perfect Christmas present for Manchester United by agreeing a fee with Spartak Moscow for highly-rated Serbia & Montenegro defender Nemanja Vidic.
The 24-year-old Vidic has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe after informing the Russian side of his intention to quit the club during next month's transfer window.
„I am delighted the two clubs have come to an agreement,” said Ferguson. „Nemanja is a quick, aggressive centre-half and at 24 will be a terrific addition to the squad.”
Although Champions League holders Liverpool and Serie A outfit Fiorentina both expressed an interest in the centre-back, United were able to pull off the coup.
The fee remains undisclosed, but it is believed to be around the £7million mark. Vidic will now fly into Manchester to discuss personal terms and have his medical, both of which appear to be formalities.
Providing there are no unforeseen hitches, Vidic is likely to be signed in time to play in the FA Cup tie at non-league Burton on January 8, with his first Premiership appearance coming in the following weekend's Manchester derby at Eastlands.
Vidic, who joined Spartak from Red Star Belgrade in July 2004, has seen his reputation soar after being an integral part of his national side's 'famous four' defence, which conceded just one goal in qualifying as the Eastern Europeans bagged a place at next summer's World Cup.
His arrival at Old Trafford will be widely welcomed as many supporters have pointed to a glaring weakness in central defence as one of the major reasons for the problems which have afflicted the Red Devils this season.
With Mikael Silvestre looking increasingly uncertain in recent weeks and Wes Brown's poor record with injuries counting against him, Ferguson needs a regular partner to bring the best out of Rio Ferdinand, who has too often dropped below the standard expected of a £30million player.
http://sport.virgin.net/story/SSS/A20244841135535359A
:thmbup: :thmbup:
