Tosic on verge of Manchester United move

(GETTY IMAGES)

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

"I was told that about 10 days ago that Manchester had sent a request for my work permit which is now granted," the 21-year-old Partizan Belgrade player told reporters Monday.

"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 3.5 million euros (£2.95m)

United manager Ferguson made a personal plea at a work permit hearing last week in Sheffield, saying that Tosic, a Serbia teammate 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, 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.