Real Madrid are confident of signing Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic. The Daily Mail says Vidic is bound for Madrid in a £20million transfer that will end an increasingly uneasy relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United manager has been less than impressed with Vidic's longing for a move to southern Europe and its detrimental effect on his form this season.

Though the 28-year-old Serbia star has been troubled by injury, Ferguson has had misgivings about selecting him anyway when fit, due to concerns over the centre half's concentration.

Resigned to sanctioning Vidic's departure, Ferguson is prepared to accept £20m from Real and use it for reinforcements.