Zoran Tosic, the Serbian sensation whom Manchester United had signed has had very limited appearances in the red shirt. So far, he has played only two league games and three cup run-outs and there are reports suggesting that Zoran Tosic is out of Manchester United.
Manchester United are tracking and targeting CSKA Moscow defender Uros Cosic. It is reported that the Red Devils are lining up a January move for the Serbian defender.
Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to strengthen his injury plagued back-line. With tough part of the season approaching and knockout rounds of Champions League to come, Fergie knows he can’t play Carrick and Fletcher every time in the defense. And to solve his defense crisis, Fergie has shortlisted the 17-year-old Uros Cosic.
I don’t know why Sir Alex has such affinity towards Serbian players. We already have 2 Serbian players in the team - Nemaja Vidic and Zoran Tosic. Recently, Manchester United were linked with Milos Krasic; who too is a Serb. I guess, Fergie has already spotted the next Rio Ferdinand in Uros Cosic.
CSKA are unwilling to let go of their highly-rated defender, who they feel is even better than fellow-countryman Nemanja Vidic. Though CSKA won’t play in Champions League next season, yet they want to hang onto their 17 year old defender. And guess what, they are luring him to stay in Russia by promising to grant Russian citizenship!
CSKA president Yevgeni Giner said, "I must stress that we would like to keep Cosic. We even offered him Russian citizenship. I have not seen such a great central defender before, not to mention that he is only 17. But Manchester United would also love to have him. They have already made several attempts to approach me about him, asking if I was ready to negotiate."
"They can see - the boy is going to grow into a bigger star than Vidic."
I have never heard about Uros Cosic and don’t know whether he is better than Vida, but what I know is – United seriously need a couple of good defenders. Our back four have got injured regularly and if Fergie does not play his cards soon, situation might worsen.
Manchester United have started their winter shopping by completing the signings of Serbian pair Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade. I am not sure what figure was given to the Serbian club, but some reports claim a combined figure of £16.3m.
The 21-year-old Tosic goes straight into United's squad after getting a work permit earlier. While 17-year-old Ljajic will be loaned back out to Partizan to return to Manchester for the 2009/10 season. Tosic - nicknamed Bambi because of his lean build - has appeared 12 times for his country and can play on either flank, having also starred for Serbia's Under-21 side. He will join countryman Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford and wear the number 14 shirt while Ljajic will arrive back at United for the next season.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "That's it for us in the transfer window. We're done with our business this season."
I am sure Fergie has his eyes on some more players, but doesn't want to disclose it. With the schedule becoming hectic in the second half of the season, United has plenty of cover up players. Probably, Frazier Campbell might also arrive from Spurs as Spurs look for some experienced striker. Tosic's arrival increases manager Sir Alex Ferguson's options on the left wing with Ryan Giggs and Nani already battling it out in that position.
21-year-old Zoran Tosic, who was acquired by United has been granted the work permit by British authorities. This means he has been cleared to join Manchester United from Partizan Belgrade where he will join up with national team-mate Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford in January.
In order to qualify for a work permit a player must have appeared in 75% of their countries matches in the previous year but Tosic has only 6 from 14 or 43%. But Chris Waddle, who was appointed to the panel to hear this case by the Home Office permitted Tosic to join United in January.
The 21-year-old left winger became a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid after playing a big part for Serbia in last years U21 Euro Championships. Serbia made it to the final of this tournament. He made his debut for Serbia on March 23, 2007. Tosic will face a tough fight to break into United's first team with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani already established at the club. Ryan Giggs is also still an option for Ferguson in terms of wide men, although the veteran is more often deployed in midfield these days.
I am waiting for some more January signings to see some new faces on the Theatre of Dreams.
