Trio step up Ibanez hunt

Premiership trio Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are reported to be stepping up their interest in Spanish defender Pablo Ibanez.

Reports emanating from Spain claim that that all three are weighing up moves for the Atletico Madrid ace

Ibanez has been a target of the trio and a number of other clubs for some time.

All three have been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old by regularly sending scouts to watch Ibanez in action.

United are thought to be leading the chase for the former Spanish Under-21 international having made several spying trips to the Spanish capital this season.

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is pondering his defensive options with Wes Brown turning down a new deal and free to leave next summer and he sees Ibanez as a perfect partner for Rio Ferdinand.

Arsenal could also be in the market for a new defender with Sol Campbell's future uncertain as he discusses a new deal and Pascal Cygan still to really prove himself.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has shown a preference to look to the Spanish transfer market to bring in new signings and a new defender is thought to be among his list of targets as he looks to reshape the squad at Anfield.

Atletico are keen to keep hold of the former Albacete star and would only consider selling him for a massive fee.