Ferguson plea helps seal permit for Tosic

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 23:20

SERBIA winger Zoran Tosic expects to join Manchester United in January after being granted a British work permit following a personal appeal by Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I was told that about ten days ago that Manchester had sent a request for my work permit which is now granted," the 21-year-old Partizan Belgrade player explained yesterday.

"I know nothing more, or what will be the next steps, but I suppose that I have a few games left for Partizan," Tosic said.

No details of the transfer fee were given for Tosic, but local Belgrade media said it was around 3.5million euros (2.9million)

United manager Ferguson made a personal plea at a work permit hearing last week in Sheffield, saying that Tosic, a Serbia team-mate of United defender Nemanja Vidic, is a player of outstanding potential who will challenge for a first-team place immediately.

Tosic, who has made 12 international appearances and impressed at the Beijing Olympics this summer, can play on either flank.

He is a free-kick specialist and has been nicknamed "Bambi" by Serbian fans because of his slight build.

Another Serbian talent, Adem Ljajic, a 17-year-old dubbed the "Serbian Kaka," is also thought to be in talks with United.

The Partizan midfielder – considered the most promising Serbian youngster – had been training at Old Trafford this summer, and is expected to join when he turns 18 next year.