Fergie will let Vidic go in summer

Manchester United are resigned to losing Nemanja Vidic in the summer - with AC Milan ready to rival Real Madrid's £20million attempt to prise him away.

The Serbian defender has made it clear he wants to leave England at the end of the season, after being constantly told of the riches - and lifestyle - available in Spain by his close pal Cristiano Ronaldo.

After battling to keep the centre-half last summer, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had enough and will allow him to leave providing United's valuation around the £20m mark is reached.

And with Madrid doing little to suppress the idea that Vidic has been constantly tapped up by his former team-mate, there is a feeling at Old Trafford that Milan's offer would be more acceptable.

Ferguson has decided he can allow the defender to leave now that Jonny Evans has developed as a worthy replacement, and Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown are fully recovered from injury.

He also agreed a deal in the January transfer window that will see England under-21 central defender Chris Smalling arrive at Old Trafford from Fulham in the summer.

It is not a question of if Vidic leaves in the summer, but where he goes, and Milan have already let it be known that they are willing to do a deal that will give United cash, plus striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Ferguson has twice made enquiries about the Dutch international before, and he is renowned for eventually getting his man.

With Michael Owen set to depart at the end of the season, he will need cover up front, and the Holland striker fits that bill.