Ferguson closes Man Utd transfer window

Jan 2 2009 By Matt McKenzie

Sir Alex Ferguson today declared the transfer window officially closed.

The Manchester United manager confirmed Serbian duo Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic will be the only new arrivals at Old Trafford this month.

And with no-one leaving either as the Red Devils gear up for a trophy assault on four fronts, Ferguson is expecting a quiet month as his Premier League counterparts gear up for the annual scramble for new faces.

``That is the end of the transfer business at Manchester United this year," he said, just hours after the transfer window opened on New Year’s Day.

``There will definitely not be anything else this January."

At just 17, Ljajic has already made a huge impression at Partizan Belgrade and it seems only a matter of time before he wins full national honours.

However, Ferguson has decided to leave the teenager where he is for another 12 months, so Tosic, whose work permit has already been received, will head to England alone.

The 21-year-old winger will have Nemanja Vidic on hand for guidance, with his new manager confirming the Serbia star could make a first-team breakthrough at some point this season.

``We have watched him for over a year," said Ferguson.

``Hopefully he does well but we will have to give him time because he has not played since December 10.

``He will need to get used to the tempo of our game and the training but he could play for us this season."

Ferguson confirmed he expects Vidic to play the role of father figure, which the defender is happy to take on.

Vidic said: ``It is good for Serbia and for me to have them around. I hope they enjoy it."

Vidic took the pair out for dinner before they finally signed their contracts, although he insists there was no requirement for any last-minute arm twisting.

``I did not need to convince them to come to Manchester United," he said.

``This is the best team in the world. Everyone wants to be part of this squad.

``They are having a dream. I know how they feel. I found it very difficult when I first came here but I am here to help."

Ferguson did not make clear whether his statement on the end of transfer business included turning Carlos Tevez’s loan deal into a permanent transfer.

Although it has been suggested Tevez’s advisor Kia Joorabchian is due to have more talks with United chief executive David Gill, the United boss has been unable to shed any more light on the present position.

``I am not going on about that (transfer) because it is never-ending," said Ferguson.

``I am sure David Gill (United chief executive) is doing his best with it but I have nothing to report."