On top: Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic keeps a
close eye on Andrew Johnson during the 4-0 victory over
Fulham
AC Milan are lining up a £20million bid to snatch
centre-back Nemanja Vidic from Manchester
United.
In the countdown to United's Champions League clash with Milan's
city rivals Inter on Wednesday, it is being claimed in Italy that
the Serbia defender has already made a secret visit to the city
where he had dinner with Rossoneri legend Paolo Maldini.
That meeting is alleged to have taken place just days before
United played Inter in the first leg of their European clash last
month. It is being suggested that one of the other diners was a
leading agent.
Ferguson bought Vidic from Spartak Moscow for £7m three years
ago. Since then, he and Rio Ferdinand have formed a formidable
partnership around which United's recent phenomenal success has
been built.
Vidic, 27, has arguably been United's star performer this season
as they have opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier
League and he is widely being tipped for the player-of-the-year
award.
While transfer speculation surrounding the Serb will enrage Sir
Alex Ferguson on the eve of United's biggest game of the season,
the manager's mood is unlikely to be improved by interest in
another centre-half, 21-year-old Jonny Evans, who could cost up to
£10m.
Milan are keen on the Irishman, while Real Madrid also see him
as a possible successor to Fabio Cannavaro. They spent last summer
in pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, and have also been linked recently
with United marksman Carlos Tevez.
Mad for it: Real Madrid are tracking Jonny
Evans
Of more immediate worry to Ferguson is the prospect of
United's Champions League clash with Jose Mourinho's Inter going to
penalties.
Despite United winning their last four shoot-outs - including
the Champions League final in May and last Sunday's Carling Cup
final at Wembley - Sir Alex said: 'I wouldn't face penalties with
confidence but I would with definite hope.
'I've got the players with the temperament to handle that
situation. They have the bottle for it.'
The first leg at the Italian champions' San Siro stadium ended
goalless, even though United dominated and had all the clear
chances. And this has encouraged Mourinho to talk up his side's
chances in the return on Wednesday.
He revels in his self-styled 'Special One' reputation but Ryan
Giggs said: 'The players don't even think about the Special One
thing. 'If we play at Old Trafford like we did at the San Siro,
we'll win. 'When you are winning games, you can't wait for the next
one.'