Manchester United central defender Nemanja Vidic has agreed a new "long-term" contract at the Premier League club, says chief executive David Gill. Vidic, 28, joined United in 2006 for £7m from Spartak Moscow and has been a mainstay of the side ever since. The Serbia & Montenegro international had been rumoured to be leaving United with Real Madrid reportedly interested. Gill told MUTV: "We've shaken hands on it and we're confident it will all be signed and sealed in early August." Vidic's decision to stay at United is a huge boost for the club considering fellow central defender Rio Ferdinand's injury problems. Ferdinand is recovering from the knee injury that ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup and which will see him miss the start of the domestic season. The England captain was also plagued by back and groin problems last season, limiting his involvement. During his four years at United, Vidic has won the Premier League three times, as well as the Champions League and three League Cup medals. "There was a lot of speculation about Nemanja's future but in my view it's been the media drumming some old stories," added Gill. "They certainly didn't come out of the Manchester United camp and I'm confident they didn't come out of Nemanja's camp. "It's great news for Manchester United and great news for Nemanja and the fans." Vidic was a member of Serbia's World Cup squad that failed to get out of the group stages in South Africa after finishing bottom of their group. "We sat down with Nemanja and his advisor at the end of last season and started discussions. They broke up when Nemanja went away to the World Cup but resumed when Serbia were knocked out," added Gill. "It's yet to be signed - the paperwork is now being sorted by our lawyers and being checked by Nemanja's advisors. He's still away on holiday but the plan is that when he gets back the papers will be signed." The defender joined United at the same time as left-back Patrice Evra and both have become integral members of the side. With Vidic's future now resolved, Gill revealed that the club will now look to tie striker Wayne Rooney to a long-term deal. Like Vidic, the England striker still has two years to run on his current deal. Rooney scored 34 goals in all competitions last season but despite his efforts the club surrendered their Premier League crown to Chelsea. "The current intention is to meet with Wayne and his advisors when we're back from tour and he's back from holiday with a view to sorting out a new deal for him," stated Gill. "It's clear from what he has said and what the club have said that both parties are very keen to sort things out and secure his long-term future at United. "Given his desires and what he means to the club we're very confident that can be achieved." Credit: BBC