Kjaer fuels switch speculation
Palermo’s promising young centre-back Simon Kjaer has fulled speculation that he could soon be departing the Sicilian club, stating that a big-money offer could prize him away from the Rosanero.
The 20-year-old is rated as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe and is reportedly a £20 million target for Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, with Juventus also interested in a swap deal that would see out-of-favour former Palermo striker Amauri heading in the opposite direction.
Palermo are enjoying a successful campaign, currently sitting fourth in Serie A and looking likely to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and as such it would take a special offer to lure Kjaer away.
However, the Danish international has left the door open for clubs to make an approach for him with their wallets open.
"I have three years left with Palermo. To leave here, one of those offers that you cannot say no to will have to arrive.
"I am a first choice at this club, and I have the chance to play in prestigious competitions wearing the Rosanero jersey."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was tipped to step up his interest in Kjaer during the January transfer window, after losing the majority of his back-line to injuries.
Patrice Evra was the only first-team defender fit to face Wolfsburg in the Champions League in December, with Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Gary Neville, Fabio and Rafael da Silva all sidelined.
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Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.