[funkdoctorspock]

a. who is this chap?
b. 10 million pounds? couldn't we get a cheaper option?
c. If rumours keep popping up about leftback cover, what does this say about Silvestre's recovery?

Damn, he is not small...

SIR Alex Ferguson is considering another Christmas cracker for United by raiding Moscow again.

The Reds' boss has admitted that cover for Patrice Evra at left back maybe the only position he will strengthen in the January transfer window.

And a mid-winter trip to Russia could be on the cards with Lokomotiv Moscow's £10m-rated versatile defender Branislav Ivanovic on the Reds radar.

The Premiership champions lost Gabriel Heinze to Real Madrid before the new campaign and won't have Mikael Silvestre back in contention following his cruciate knee ligament injury until around spring at best.

Though versatile John O'Shea can play at left back and 20-year-old full back Danny Simpson is capable of playing on that flank, Fergie is keen on a newcomer to bolster his squad.

He successfully sprang a surprise in the 2005-06 mid-season window when he landed Nemanja Vidic from Lokomotiv's neighbours Spartak.

Vidic had not even been mentioned among the list of potential recruits being speculated upon two years ago.

But his arrival for £7m was a shock Christmas Day announcement by United ahead of his official signing in January.

The Reds' extensive network of spies, including chief European scout Fergie's brother Martin, had monitored Vidic for Spartak and on the international stage for Serbia.

Scouts

The big Serb had a tough baptism but was virtually an instant cult hero at Old Trafford and has become an extremely popular figure in the dressing room.

He will almost certainly have been consulted about the potential of 23-year-old Ivanovic. Vidic has also played with him in the Serbia national side.

He has been promoted to the seniors where he has won nine caps but remains as captain of the Under 21s for whom he has played 33 times.

United have had scouts at the European Under 21s championship finals in both 2006 and 2007 and Ivanovic was one of the stars of the tournaments.

In the 2006 finals in Portugal, he made four appearances and was handed the skipper's armband during the competition.

Serbia came second in last summer's tournament in Holland and Ivanovic was named in UEFA's team of the tournament.

He would tick many boxes for Fergie. He comes in the age group category that the United boss likes to buy from to integrate into his young squad. Vidic was 24 when he signed.

Ivanovic, who is contracted to Lokomotiv until Dec 31 2011, is also a versatile defender who can play anywhere across the back line and is adept in midfield as well.

Ferguson likes adaptability among his players.

Though left back is the berth that Ivanovic could be brought in to fight for, he would also be added cover for Vidic and Ferdinand.

The Serb can also play at right back comfortably and with Gary Neville's long term future still not nailed down it would be another plus for any potential swoop.

Neville has been pencilled in by the United manager to make his first team return in Italy next Wednesday when United play Roma in the dead rubber Champions League final group match.

United have also been linked with Reading's England left back Nicky Shorey since Fergie publicly revealed his desire to gain an extra body to cover Evra.

Shorey has 18 months left on his contract at Reading but is holding off from signing a new deal.
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[Dirtycheat]

isnt this the guy that vidic came out and recommended sometime last year or early this season? I cant say ive seen him play though.

10 mil does seem a bit much for a full-back but the prices are inflated all round atm so perhaps 10 mil for a player who can play on both wings isnt too bad value for money.

[dada]

More interested in Shorey to be honest.

[Mila]

I've seen him play in the Russian League a couple of times and he is really good.

He is a bit different from Vidic, but he is solid and sure and quite fearless at times.

Actully come to thik of it - he is not that different from Vida

I think he would make a great signing.

[pantlessjim]

Looks big and tough. I'd like to have a bit more muscle at the back. I think he would make good cover for Evra from the few clips I've seen of him.

[GocartMozart]

I want this guy. Smart, composed, strong, agile and he's Balkan. Sign him!

[moley]

looks like a good buy for the future if we do go for him