Real Madrid are set to launch an audacious £30m bid to lure Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic to the Bernabeu.

Just hours after believing they had tied up a world record £56m deal for AC Milan playmaker Kaka, Real are flexing their financial muscles early this summer in a bid to recapture the La Liga title from fierce rivals and Champions League winners, Barcelona.

The Kaka move was cast into doubt late last night with Chelsea believing they had out-bid the Spanish giants’ huge fee as well as the €90m contract over five years. for the Brazilian superstar.

Serbian defender Vidic, however, who is under contract until 2012, has been a colossus for United in recent years and Sir Alex Ferguson will fight tooth and nail to hang onto the Old Trafford favourite — but family reasons may lead to a move.

It is understood Vidic’s wife has failed to adapt to life in England and would prefer to move to a hotter climate and new Real President Florentino Perez is ready to make his move.

United will not be keen to do business with Real though, who continue to publicly court World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo.

If Vidic gives the slightest hint he could leave the Premier League champions, Barcelona will also make their move, but Real have put themselves firmly into the driving seat.