Ferguson in and out of market

ALEX FERGUSON yesterday declared the transfer window officially closed. The Manchester United manager confirmed Serbian duo Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic, for a combined figure of €17 million, will be the only new arrivals at Old Trafford this month.

And with no one leaving either as United gear up for a trophy assault on four fronts, Ferguson is expecting a quiet month as his Premier League counterparts join 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 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 10th. He will need to get used to the tempo of our game and the training but he could play for us this season."

Despite being just 21, Tosic has already made 12 appearances for Serbia and is regarded as one of the best young wide players in Europe. In theory, his arrival could be bad news for Nani, who has struggled to make anything like the same impact as fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, having left Sporting Lisbon for United 18 months ago.

However, with Ryan Giggs now 35 and set to figure even less over the next 18 months, Ferguson may decide to persevere with Nani, giving Tosic time to get used to his new surroundings.

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 adviser 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."

Ferguson is crossing his fingers Rio Ferdinand will be fit for next Sunday's Premier League league clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand has already been ruled out of United's FA Cup trip to Southampton tomorrow and Wednesday's League Cup semi-final with Derby after suffering back spasms before the St Stephen's Day win over Stoke.

The 30-year-old has still not returned to training but Ferguson remains hopeful he will be able to face Chelsea after more intensive treatment.

In the meantime, Jonny Evans will continue to act as Ferdinand's deputy, with Gary Neville possibly filling a central defensive berth at Pride Park next week.