Denmark’s tough young defender Simon Kjær is on the Christmas wish list of several top European clubs

Sir Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United club are ready to pay the £11 million buyout clause in Palermo defender Simon Kjær’s contract to bring him to the Premier League, according to The Daily Mail.

Ferguson reportedly wants the Dane to replace Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic, whose contract expires in 18 months. Sources close to Man United say the club will try to sell him before then – most likely to a team in Spain’s La Liga – to ensure the club gets something for him.

The 20-year-old Kjær has received rave reviews across Europe for his performances with his administratively troubled Serie A club.

But Man United must also contend with bids from archrivals Liverpool and from Italian club Juventus, both of whom are reportedly interested in obtaining the Dane.

Liverpool has the added advantage of having Kjær’s national team defensive partner Daniel Agger, who has expressed his wish to have his countryman with him at the club.