Vidic awaits permit

NEMANJA VIDIC, pictured, is only a work permit away from completing his £7 million (€10 million) move to Manchester United.

Vidic has passed his medical and agreed terms, so, with United agreeing a fee with Spartak Moscow for the Serbia and Montenegro international on Christmas Day, only the final piece of red tape needs to be cleared for the 24-year-old to join Alex Ferguson’s squad.

Providing everything goes as anticipated, Vidic should be available for the FA Cup third round tie at non-League Burton Albion on January 8.

Vidic was a member of the “famous four” Serbian back line which conceded just once on their way to next summer’s World Cup Finals.

Although United boast the fourth best defensive record in the Premiership, their 16 goals conceded is twice as many as Chelsea’s miserly defence.