English Premiership
Vidic seals Red Devils deal
2010-07-23 20:35
Manchester - Nemanja Vidic has ended speculation that he was keen to quit Manchester United by agreeing a new "long-term" contract with the Premier League club.
Vidic had repeatedly been linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the last 12 months and it was reported that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was ready to launch a bid to sign the Serbia defender.
But United's offer of an improved contract has persuaded Vidic to commit his future to Sir Alex Ferguson's team, according to the club's chief executive David Gill.
Vidic's current deal has two years to run and it is believed United don't usually negotiate new contracts until there is only one year left, but that rule has been changed to keep the centre-back happy.
Gill revealed Vidic made it clear he wanted to stay several weeks ago and he expects the contract to be signed before United kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Newcastle on August 16.
"There was a lot of speculation about Nemanja's future, but in my view it's been the media drumming some old stories because they certainly didn't come out of the Manchester United camp and I'm confident they didn't come out of Nemanja's camp," Gill told MUTV on Friday.
"We sat down with Nemanja and his advisor at the end of last season and started discussions.
"They broke up when Nemanja went away to the World Cup, but resumed when Serbia were knocked out and I'm very pleased to confirm that we agreed terms with Nemanja three or four weeks ago on a new long-term deal with the club.
"It's yet to be signed - the paperwork is now being sorted by our lawyers and being checked by Nemanja's advisors.
"He's still away on holiday but the plan is that when he gets back the papers will be signed. We've shaken hands on it and we're confident it will all be signed and sealed in early August.
"It's great news for Manchester United and great news for Nemanja and the fans."
Vidic is currently on holiday after the World Cup and is expected to link up with his United team-mates when they return from their current tour of America.