Manchester United and Arsenal are battling to sign Everton central defender Phil Jagielka.
Jagielka, 28, is regarded by Arsene Wenger as the perfect partner for Thomas Vermaelen and the man to bring experience to the Gunners’ young squad.
But United are also keen on Jagielka. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to bolster his own outfit as he plans to regain the Premier League title.
Jagielka, who can also play at full-back and in midfield, would give United added strength for their next Champions League assault.