Liverpool’s search for an extra centre-back may have moved a step closer if reports are to be believed today. According to the Liverpool Echo, the European Champions have made a £4.5million bid for Serbia’s Nemanja Vidic.
Although the transfer window is closed at the moment, there’s nothing stopping clubs and players from talking to each other – there’s just no way that the actual movement of the player can take place yet. Vidic plays for Spartak Moscow and is also wanted desperately by Italian side Fiorentina. According to the Echo, Benitez wants clear signs from the player that he’s interested in a move to Anfield if he’s to maintain an interest in signing him.
Vidic, 24, was the subject of rumours linking him to Aston Villa earlier in the month, something boss David O’Leary denied. Denying he’d been to Russia on a spying mission, O’Leary said at the time: “I’ve been to Moscow many times since my Leeds days and whenever I’m there I’m spotted by all and sundry so it would be impossible for me to ever go there on a scouting mission. I know about him, and he’s a good player but there’s no serious interest. He cost £3million a few years back and he wouldn’t come cheap. We’re looking at cheaper options.”
The Echo believes the player has a £4.5million clause in his contract which Liverpool have now met allowing them to talk to him. The player will be familiar to Rafa and his Spanish compatriates at the club as Vidic’s national side (Serbia and Montenegro) finished top of Spain World Cup qualifying group, with him a part of that success.
When Vidic was a 21-year-old with Red Star Belgrade he was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, although a work permit may have been a problem at the time.