Manchester United and Liverpool look to face a battle for the signing of Mateo Musacchio, with reports suggesting that Fiorentina have joined the race for his signature.

This is according to talkSPORT, who suggest that the Villarreal defender tops the transfer wishlist of the Serie A outfit.

Musacchio, 23, - who moved to El Madrigal from Primera División giants River Plate back in 2009 - has been in fine form for Marcelino García Toral's newly-promoted side, providing a number of commanding defensive performances.

Such displays have clearly attracted transfer attention from abroad, with Manchester United having been credited with an interest in the Argentine international as well as both Liverpool and Barcelona.

And while it is currently unclear whether Manchester United's transfer plans will be largely affected by the departure of David Moyes and the eventual appointment of the Scot's successor, what surely can't be in doubt is the club's need for defensive reinforcements - particularly with captain Nemanja Vidic leaving Old Trafford in favour of a move to Inter Milan this summer.

Liverpool - who have been simply magnificent this season and have defied all expectation to sit top of the Premier League with just three games remaining - are also expected to be in the market for defensive recruits, with Brendan Rodgers' side having conceded 18 more goals than closest title rivals and Sunday's opponents Chelsea.

However, it looks like Fiorentina could be ready to make a move of their own for Musacchio, with Vincenzo Montella presumably looking to cement La Viola's status as credible title contenders moving forward.

Source: GiveMeSport.com