Samir Handanovic Welcomes Nemanja Vidic's Imminent Arrival from Manchester United

Nemanja Vidic's imminent move to Inter Milan from Manchester United has been welcomed by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, as manager David Moyes begins to contemplate the reality of a new season without many of his seasoned campaigners.

Inter president Erick Thohir says the deal to bring the former Serbian international to Serie A is "90% done" after the United captain declared his intention to leave the Premier League champions at the end of the current season.

Vidic joined United in January 2006 and has formed the backbone of the club's latest successful era, winning five league titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup during eight years at Old Trafford.

The 32 year old was four times voted into the PFA Team of the Year and despite having an injury ravaged career at United, he will become a prime asset for an Inter side looking to brink the glory years back to the Italian capital.

Handanovic said: "I don't know Vidic personally but I think his career speaks for itself. He would strengthen us."

Thohir added on Thursday: "I don't want to announce something that's 90% done. I think it's better to make an announcement when it's complete. I don't want to speak on something that's not done yet."

Vidic confirmed his intention to leave United at the end of the season at the start of February but automatically ruled out remaining in the Premier League after enjoying such a successful spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

"I have decided that I will move on at the end of this season," said Vidic."I want to challenge myself again and try to make the best of myself in the coming years.

"I'm not considering staying in England as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United and I was lucky enough to be part of this club for so many years.

"I've got a few options to move on and I will choose the right one for me and for my family."

The Serb's departure is expected to be followed by the retirement of both Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs while the future of Patrice Evra is anything but secure leaving Moyes with a dearth of experience going into his second campaign at United.