Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic could be set to leave the club this summer, according to his agent.
The Serbian currently has only six months to run on his contract, meaning he is already at liberty to talk to other clubs via the Bosman ruling.
Vidic has been at United since 2006, representing the club almost 300 times and captaining the side since 2010.
Although manager David Moyes is believed to be keen to keep the 32-year-old at the club, the player’s agent has admitted he may leave the current Premier League Champions.
"Vidic, given his contract situation, has several teams looking at him,” said Silvano Martina, Vidic’s agent, when speaking to Italian radio station Radio CRC.
"Vidic is a very good player and will have no trouble finding a new club. For the time being we are remaining calm.
"However, at the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United.”
United’s delay in opening talks with the central defender is usual procedure for the club, who often conduct contractual talks with players in their 30s during the final few months of their deals.
Moyes faces a similar decision over Vidic’s defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, who is also in the final stages of his deal.
While the 20 time champions of England are yet to open talks with Ferdinand, who at 35 is believed to be considering his future, the club are said to be keen to open talks with Vidic.
Given United's position it may well be that Martina’s aggressive stance is merely a negotiating tactic to ensure his client receives a lucrative deal.
One area of concern for United will be Vidic’s general fitness. The Serbian has suffered two serious knee injuries in the past three years, followed by further niggles this season.
The 32-year-old also missed the club’s pre-season tour with a sciatica injury and was concussed during the 1-0 win over Arsenal in November.
