Manchester United face competition from Bayern Munich for Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

The Daily Mail says the Denmark international has been identified as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic, but the Barclays Premier League champions' injury crisis has intensified calls for signings in January.

However, Bayern Munich have emerged as the latest suitors for 20-year-old Kjaer. The Liverpool fan has also been linked to Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan after an impressive season in Serie A.

Kjaer is under contract until 2013, but has an £11million buyout clause and has spoken of a willingness to come to England.

United have started to look more seriously at him amid fears that Serbia defender is unlikely to stay at Old Trafford when his contract runs out in 2012.