Vidic dismisses claims that he is unhappy at Old Trafford

Vidic has been linked with a move to Barcelona (GETTY IMAGES)

Nemanja Vidic has dismissed speculation that he wants to leave Manchester United by saying he is keen to be one of the cornerstones of the next side Sir Alex Ferguson builds at Old Trafford.

Vidic's future at United has been called into question recently, with claims that his wife Ana is unhappy in the north-west, particularly because of the climate. Barcelona and Milan are believed to be eager to sign the 28-year-old Serb, rated as one of the best central defenders in the world.

Vidic is non-plussed at the latest gossip, although its origins are from an interview he gave in Russia last year when he described the United Kingdom as "joyless" and made particular reference to the amount of rainfall in Manchester.

However, Vidic appears to have had a major change of heart and instead of looking for a way out, he wants to become an integral part of the team. "I am glad to have been part of this club for so many years and if I could be one of the bases on which a new team is built I would be very happy," he said. "I have never said I want to go and play in another country. Other people have spoken or written about it and I am not happy with that.

"But I have said in the past what I think. I don't want to keep talking about it because I can't stop what people say. The fact is I am happy here."