United Handed Timely Vidic Boost

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has not held talks with Juventus or Barcelona over a potential move, his agent Silvano Martina has confirmed.

The Serbian defender is currently out of action after undergoing knee surgery last month, the second operation on the area the last 12 months.

Vidic is expected to return to action next month but the 30 year old has no plans to jump ship to either Juventus or Barcelona according to his agent.

"Vidic is not playing at this time because he's had surgery, so he's only thinking about his recovery and not about the transfer market," Martina said.

"Juventus are complete with their non-EU players for this season and it is highly unlikely they will make a bid for Vidic, therefore I can categorically rule out any interest from them.

"Vidic is already part of a top club and there are no negotiations with Juventus or Barcelona."

The 30 year old was ruled out for the remainder of last term after picking up a cruciate knee ligament injury during the Champions League defeat to FC Basel.

He returned to the United fold in time for the new season, but complained of tightness in the area following the win over Galatasaray, leading to surgery and a two month absence from the first team.

The injury came amid an injury crisis in the heart of United's defence, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both out injured, leaving Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans as the only two recognised fully-fit centre backs.

Such was United's injury problems in the early stages of the season that Michael Carrick was employed in the centre of defence, while Michael Keane and Scott Wootton featured in the League Cup tie against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Vidic has already missed the games against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle in the league and is unlikely to return before the end of November, in time for the Manchester derby on 9 December.