clutch noise... is it normal??

i just bought a 1997 audi A4 2.8 and i was wondering when i am just about to engage the clutch the trans makes this slight whineing noise but goes away as soon as the clutch catches. Its not loud where everyone can here it but i can and im just wondering if its normal or if its a serious problem with the clutch. the car has 111,000mi on the original clutch and i know its going to need to be done VERY soon but i would like to ride this one out as long as that noise isnt a serious problem. if you can help thanks alot.

thanks,
w4lkman

i had the same noise in my 00 and within 2 week the clutch went, the whine is the clutch, see it made that noise and promptly ripped the spline carrier out of the clutch disk as i went to take off