Soccer:Nemanja Vidic has committed his long-term future to Manchester United, according to chief executive David Gill. The Serbia defender's current deal is up in two years but an extension to his contract has been agreed by both parties.
Vidic has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford but he is now staying at the club.
"I am very pleased to confirm that we agreed terms with Nemanja three or four weeks ago on a new long-term deal with the club," Gill told MUTV.
Vidic's decision to stay is a huge boost for United given Rio Ferdinand's fitness problems. While the length of the contract extension has not been disclosed, Gill believes Vidic will put pen to paper next month.
"We sat down with Nemanja and his advisor at the end of last season and started discussions. They broke up when Nemanja went away to the World Cup, but resumed when Serbia were knocked out.
"It's yet to be signed - the paperwork is now being sorted by our lawyers and being checked by Nemanja's advisors. He's still away on holiday but the plan is that when he gets back the papers will be signed.
"We've shaken hands on it and we're confident it will all be signed and sealed in early August.
"It's great news for Manchester United and great news for Nemanja and the fans."
Gill added: "There was a lot of speculation about Nemanja's future, but in my view it's been the media drumming some old stories.
"They certainly didn't come out of the Manchester United camp and I'm confident they didn't come out of Nemanja's camp."
Gill also intends discussing a new contract with Wayne Rooney. Like Vidic, the England striker still has two years to run on his current deal. Rooney scored 34 goals in all competitions last season but despite his efforts the club surrendered their Barclays Premier League crown to Chelsea.
"The current intention is to meet with Wayne and his advisors when we're back from tour and he's back from holiday with a view to sorting out a new deal for him," said Gill. "It's clear from what he has said and what the club have said that both parties are very keen to sort things out and secure his long-term future at United.
"Given his desires and what he means to the club we're very confident that can be achieved."