Manchester United skipper Nemanja Vidic is a shock transfer target for AC Milan.

Italians ready to pounce if Reds' interest in Benfica defender Garay means new boss Moyes wants to phase Serbian out.

Going out on top? Milan want to lure Vidic away from champions United

AC Milan are keen on Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic.

The Italian giants see the 31-year-old Serbia international as the ideal partner for their incumbent centre-back Philippe Mexes.

Vidic, who has been at the Old Trafford giants since 2006, suffered an injury-ravaged campaign last season, playing only 23 times in total, after seeing his 2011-12 season ended in the December by a knee problem.

Milan believe United are set to sign a replacement - Benfica's Ezequiel Garay has been heavily linked with a move to the new Premier League champions - and are ready to move for Vidic if it is shown he is not part of new boss David Moyes' plans for his first XI.

Argentina international Garay, 26, was a key player in the Benfica team that reached last season’s Europa League Final.