Fergie chases Reds target

Alex Ferguson could sanction the loan of young Italian striker Federico Macheda to Serie A side Palermo as he looks to steal a march on his Premier League rivals in the race to sign the Sicilian outfit's highly-rated defender Simon Kjaer.

The Danish international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the last 18 months with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City also rumoured to be battling the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan for his signature.

It is reported in Italy that Manchester United starlet Macheda has been pinpointed as a suitable short-term target by Palermo as they look to build on a terrific season in Serie A in which they are challenging more established big names for a spot in the Champions League. The 18-year-old has suffered a series of injuries since making his Premier League debut last year and had first-team minutes at Old Trafford severely limited as a consequence. Despite the lengthy setback it is understood that Sir Alex Ferguson still firmly believes in the potential of his young charge and would have no problem lending him to a top European side so long as he was guaranteed regular first-team football.

Having already signed Fulham youngster Chris Smalling and with Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans already on the books, Manchester United have two possible successors to the stalwart duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. However, with speculation continuing to circle that the giant Serb is keen on a move to Spain the links with Dane Kjaer refuse to die down.

Despite repeatedly pledging his loyalty to Palermo it is only a matter of time before Kjaer does look to test himself in a higher profile environment. Having marshalled the Rosanero's defence this term and formed a strong partnership with Liverpool's Daniel Agger during Denmark's World Cup qualification campaign the former FC Midtjylland protégé has proved himself a mature and capable leader.

A self-confessed childhood fan of Liverpool it is believed that Kjaer initially favoured a move to Anfield. However, with the Reds likely to be playing Europa League football next year the door has been left open for Chelsea, Manchester City and the aforementioned United to take advantage. Kjaer is valued in excess of £15 million; a figure which could prove a bargain given the player's tender years and long-term potential.

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