Danish ace set to snub Man United and Spurs to join Liverpool

Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex Ferguson have been snubbed by highly-rated Palermo defender Simon Kjaer - who insists he wants to sign for Liverpool.

Spurs and Manchester United have been tracking the 20-year-old centre-back for some time, while Manchester City failed in an £18million bid to prise him away from Serie A in January.

Now Kjaer has revealed he is desperate to form a formidable partnership with Daniel Agger at Anfield.

Kjaer said: "I would prefer to have it sorted out before the World Cup. I am ready for a new challenge, but is has to be an attractive club.

"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 Agger at Liverpool."

Redknapp recently confirmed his interest in Kjaer but admitted Palermo would not allow the star to leave. Indeed, Palermo are hoping they can persuade the player to stay by reaching next season's Champions League.

But interest in Kjaer continues to grow. German champions Wolfsburg are also keen on him.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini last night admitted the club are fighting to hold on to Kjaer, along with another two of his top men - attacking midfielder Javier Pastore and Uruguayan striker Edison Cavani.

Zamparani said: "I hope that everyone can remain in Palermo and maybe if we go into the Champions League, the boys are more encouraged to stay.

"I want Cavani, Pastore and Kjaer to remain here. Kjaer is much too an important player for us. I'd buy him again just to not make him go away."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.