Manchester United have told Nemanja Vidic to forget about a new contract until 2011, which could promote a move from Barcelona.
With United delaying talks over a new deal with the defender, Barcelona could step up their pursuit of signing the Serbian international in the summer.
The Reds defender still has two years left on his current £70,000-a-week contract at the end of this term, but is thought to want a new improved deal.
However, United representatives have told Vidic they will not offer him a new contract or a pay increase until he has one year remaining on his current deal.
The Red Devils’s owners, the Glazers, have now adopted a policy which aims to save money by only offering players an improved contract once they have entered the final year of their existing deal.
United will fear loosing Vidic to Barcelona in the summer, especially with Ferdinand struggling with a back injury and Jonny Evans lacking Premier League experience.
