Manchester United and Manchester City Make Bids For Defender Simon Kjaer

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has confirmed that Premier League side Manchester United and neighbours Manchester City both have made bids for highly rated Danish defender Simon Kjaer.

Both bids were deemed low and hence rejected.

"I have had requests for Kjaer from Manchester City and United, but there are still differences between what we want and what they are offering," he told the press after a Serie A club presidents' meeting in Milan.

Kjaer is keen to move to the Premier League, and has indicated in the past that he would prefer a move to Mersyside giants Liverpool.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and then there is Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain.

"England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with Daniel Agger at Liverpool", Kjaer said earlier this year.

But he has also said that he would not rule out a move to Liverpool's fierce rivals, Manchester United, if they made an offer.

Arsenal, Tottenham , Manchester City and Manchester United are all said to be interested in the defender.

Kjaer, 21, was named 2007 Danish under-19 talent of the year  and 2009 Danish Talent of the Year. He has played eight games for the Denmark national football team and is with the team in South Africa for the World Cup, although he might be limited as he recovers from injury. 

Kjaer joined Palermo two years ago from FC Midtjylland in a four million euro deal. He has a £10 million buyout clause in his current contract with Palermo.

But a move to either of the Manchester clubs may bot be the best option for the young defender.

Manchester City already have tough competition for the center back spots and they have recently added Jerome Boateng to their ranks.

United too for the time being have ample cover, but with Ferdinand ageing and Nemnaja Vidic's agent today commenting about a possible departure a move to Old Trafford could turn fruitful.

Arsenal are in desperate need of a quality center back, with William Gallas and Philip Senderos leaving the Gunners. Wenger could well make a bid for Kjear.

Liverpool are manager less for the moment and will have to raise cash by selling first. A dream move to Anfield for Kjear looks highly unlikely for the time being.