Borussia Dortmund central defender Neven Subotic is reportedly the subject of a £16.5m summer bid from Premier League champions Manchester United, Metro reports. Subotic has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga and is rated highly by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
With injuries to Rio Ferdinand happening more frequently, and Jonny Evans still inconsistent for United, Subotic has been earmarked as a future replacement for Nemanja Vidic in the United defence. Vidic has given Ferguson a glowing reference for his Serbian international teammate, who has become one of the in-demand defenders in Europe. Chelsea were interested in Subotic during the January transfer window, but Dortmund will not sell until at least the summer.
Subotic is contracted to the German champions until 2014 and it is believed Dortmund want close to £20m for Subotic, which Ferguson is willing to pay. The 23 year old would be interested in a move to Old Trafford to partner Vidic and United are looking to act quickly in summer. Ferguson has contacted Dortmund chiefs and made preliminary discussions over the sale of Subotic in a move to leave his rivals behind.
This news casts further doubt over the future of Rio Ferdinand with the England international only just returning from another injury. Ferdinand could find himself surplus to requirements if Subotic comes, but is unknown who would be able to afford the 33 year old’s wages.
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