--- title: "United linked with the ‘new Nemanja Vidic’" canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2016/03/10/united-linked-with-serbian-center-back-nikola-maksimovic/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" section: "Man Utd Transfer News" published: "2016-03-10T11:39:55Z" modified: "2016-03-10T11:39:55Z" --- # United linked with the ‘new Nemanja Vidic’ According to [David Amoyal](https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/eng/manchester-united-joins-the-race-for-maksimovic-napoli-destination-less-likely/) of the GianlucaDiMarzio.com, 24-year-old Serbian Center-back Nikola Maksimovic could be heading to Old Trafford this summer. The Torino FC star has been linked with fellow Serie A club, Napoli, for quite some time now, but talks have recently been scarce. The Serbian Center-back has recently been framed as the ‘New Nemanja Vidic’ by [Jamie Anderson](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/499875/Nemanja-Vidic-Nikola-Maksimovic-Man-United-Transfer-News-Signing-Rumour-Gossip-Latest) at the Daily Star. Anderson adds that with Daley Blind having been forced to cover as centre-back for the Red Devils due to injuries this season, it would only be smart of Manchester United to bring in Maksimovic. ![Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/03/509830618-1.jpg) Manchester United have had talks with Maksimovic’s club, Torino, in the past, as the Devils brought in Torino’s Italian right-back Darmian just last summer. The Serbian defender joined Torino in the Serie A back in 2013 from Red Star Belgrade. According to [Squawka](), the 24-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Italian side averaging an impressive 55% duels won per match. Nikola Maksimovic has won 24 tackles with a success rate of 44% this season. On top of his impressive stats, the Serbian had made a total of 52 interceptions, 4 blocks, and 39 clearances. ![Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/03/514014276.jpg) Manchester United would be foolish not pursue their interest in the Torino star. United have yet to find a consistent back partner for Chirs Smalling. Bringing in Maksimovic would allow out-of-placed Daley Blind return to his regular role in the midfield – and we all know that a new Nemanja Vidic would be quite a handy player to have around!