United playing catch-up in Vidic chase

Manchester United will have to move quickly if they are to secure the services of Serbia and Montenegro defender Nemanja Vidic next month.

Alex Ferguson is believed to be interested in luring the 24-year-old to Old Trafford in a bid to boost his shaky rearguard.

Vidic has already made it clear he intends to quit his current club Spartak Moscow when the transfer window opens next month.

However, PA Sport understands that while Vidic would welcome the chance to talk with Ferguson, his current preferred choice is Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

Sources close to Vidic believe a deal with the Florence-based club could be struck quickly, so unless Ferguson makes contact with them at some point over the next seven days, the chances of him ending up in England are slim.

Liverpool are also thought to have expressed an interest in Vidic, who would cost around £6m (€8.84m).

The player has maintained the promise he showed as a youngster at Red Star Belgrade and, after helping his country reach next year’s World Cup finals, he also provided the bedrock of the Spartak rearguard which has guided the Russian outfit into next season’s Champions League.