Premier League News: Nemanja Vidic not approached by Real Madrid, Steven Defour on United's radar, Bramble signs for Sunderland
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is rumoured to be on his way out of Old Trafford, with strong links to Real Madrid. However, the agent of the Serbian captain has said that there has been no official approach from the Spanish giants.
The United defender has been an integral cog in the Manchester United setup in recent years. He was signed from Spartak Moscow for a sum of 7 million pounds back in 2008. Since last season, there have been reports that he is no longer happy at United and is looking for a move to Spain. His wife is also believed to be unhappy at Manchester and is rumoured to want to move out of England.
The rumours intensified once the new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho expressed his admiration for the United centre back. Silvano Martino, who is the agent of Nemanja Vidic, has maintained his stance that although a move out of Old Trafford remains a possibility, Real Madrid have not yet made a formal approach. He added that Vidic is currently on vacation in Mallorca, and the only thing on his mind right now is heading back to Manchester United and starting the new season.
He said that nothing is certain for now, and there is a possibility that he may not even leave English football. The agent went on to say that his client did ask for a pay raise at United but the club did not comply.
On the other hand, Manchester United is looking to sign Steven Defour, the midfielder from Belgium. He is currently applying his trade at Standard Liege. United have lined up a 13 million pound bid for the young midfielder, and are believed to be determined to get their man.
The Red Devils’ manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been keeping a close eye on his development for a while now, and is believed to be getting ready to make his move. Ferguson said that he knows that Liverpool is also in pursuit and looking to avail the services of the talented Belgian.
Liverpool and Manchester United are believed to be not the only clubs from English football looking to sign Defour. Cash rich Manchester City and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in the Standard Liege player.
Defour, who is only 22 years old, has been in great form in the Belgian league; he was also voted the most valuable player for the season in 2008. In 2009, he suffered a setback when he broke his leg. Ferguson seized the opportunity and sent the youngster a letter encouraging him in his recovery, and also told him that he was observing his progress.
Talking about more transfer news, Sunderland has got the signature of Titus Bramble, who moved to Wigan last season after Newcastle were relegated to 2nd division.
The English defender suffered a foot injury at the end of last season and missed the last couple of months. Bramble is believed to have signed a 3 year contract with Sunderland that would keep him at the Stadium of Light till 2013.
Steve Bruce, who managed him at Wigan, is believed to have insisted in attaining the defender’s services. Bruce said Bramble is one of the most underrated defenders in the English game, and would add a lot of value to the team.
Titus Bramble started his career at Ipswich in 1998; he emerged as one of the most talented young defenders and Newcastle snapped him up. He stayed with the Magpies for a few years, making 100 appearances before making the switch to Wigan Athletic in June 2009.
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