Serbia winger Zoran Tosic has failed to agree on a contract with Manchester United, but said he remains optimistic he will join the club in January.

The 21-year-old Partizan Belgrade player visited Old Trafford last week with his manager, but said Sunday that United’s offer “does not coincide with” his demands.

“We agreed to stay in touch and I believe that everything will be fine in the end,” he said.

Tosic’s manager Zoran Pavlovic said the player was unhappy with the salary he is being offered, and told Belgrade daily Blic that the winger might consider finding another club.

No details of the transfer fee has been given for Tosic, but local media said it was around €3.5 million ($4.5 million.)

Tosic was granted a British work permit last month, after United manager Alex Ferguson made a personal plea at a hearing in Sheffield.

Tosic has made 12 international appearances, including at the Beijing Olympics, and can play on either flank.

Partizan Belgrade have insisted they have not had any contact with Manchester United over Zoran Tosic or Adem Ljajic.

United are believed to be looking at both players with reports suggesting they have already agreed terms for Tosic which could also see Ljajic moving to Manchester.

Tosic is a current Serbian international and reports in England have claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson will be part of a United delegation that will attend a work-permit hearing this week over the left-winger.

The 21-year-old does not meet current work-permit criteria to play in the Premier League but, given he is valued at £8million, reports suggest United are trying to broker a permit for him.

However, Partizan sports director Ivan Tomic has stated that United have not signed either player, amid claims the European champions will try and strike a double deal.

United’s interest in Ljajic - another attacking midfielder - heralds from the fact he was on trial at Old Trafford earlier this season.

The 17-year-old is understood to have impressed, which has led to constant speculation that a move to United was in the pipeline.

“It is not true that Tosic and Ljajic have already signed for Manchester United,” Tomic said.

“It is simple, there has been no direct contact or official offer coming from England.

“Of course, it would be nice if they want some of our players, but it’s not true.”

Tosic has also continued to insist he knows nothing about a deal.

“I have nothing new to add on that subject, as I contacted my managers and they told me to keep my focus on playing and to stick to our mutual agreement which is that they will not inform me about anything until things move on to a much clearer situation,” Tosic told Vecernje Novosti.