Simon says he wants Champions League football

The £12million chase to sign Simon Kjaer looks like turning into a straight battle between Manchester United and Tottenham after his agent revealed he wants to join a Champions League club. Former Middlesbrough striker Mikkel Beck appeared to dash Manchester City's hopes of landing Kjaer after eliminating Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg from the running and describing how the 21-year old centre-back was setting his sights high. Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini had admitted holding discussions with both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Wolfsburg and hinted he was ready to sell to the highest bidder.

But Beck narrowed down the field by countering: 'I heard those remarks, but it is not true that Wolfsburg are contenders for Simon's signature. He will not be going there. 'Simon knows he can play in the Europa League with Palermo next season, but he is ready to take the next step and move up to a higher level. There are still one or two interesting clubs to consider.'

Kjaer, who wants his future sorting out after returning from the World Cup with Denmark, is a lifelong Liverpool fan but is unlikely to be heading to Anfield, given the asking price and their failure to retain their place in the Champions League.