A trio of Premier League clubs will battle it out for the signature of Palermo's highly-rated Danish defender Simon Kjaer, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all confirmed admirers.

The 20-year-old centre-back already commands a reputation for being one Europe's most highly-sought after young defenders, and the Sicilian club's director Walter Sabatini recently confirmed the English giants' interest.

The Rosanero chief also confirmed that Juventus, who have long been linked with Kjaer, had sent scouts to watch him in action, and would compete with the aforementioned English clubs for the former FC Midtjylland star's signature.

The stopper has so far made six appearances for Morten Olsen's Denmark side, all coming this year, and is expected to be an influential figure in his country's World Cup campaign next in South Africa next summer.

"I have heard that Juventus and their observers have been watching Kjaer. There is also an interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool," Sabatini is quaoted as saying in the Daily Mail.

Sabatini however, insists the club's prize asset will not be leaving the Stadio Renzo Barbera in the New Year despite the level of interest in the £15million-rated stopper.

"In any case, Kjaer will not be leaving in January," he insisted.

Liverpool fan Kjaer recently declared that he would abandon his Anfield allegiances in order to turn out for Manchester United if an offer was forthcoming, while he was also recently spotted conversing with Sir Alex Ferguson after a chance meeting at a Danish awards ceremony.