Midfielder in Manchester tug-of-war

Standard Liege are hoping to force a bidding war between Manchester rivals City and United for £15m-rated midfielder Axel Witsel.

The Belgian champions know they are unlikely to hold on to the 19-year-old prospect beyond the end of the season after his impressive performances in Europe against Liverpool, Everton and Sevilla.

But with both City and United keen to take Witsel, Standard believe they can sell the starlet for at least as much as Everton paid them for Marouane Felliani (£15m)on transfer deadline day.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on Witsel as he looks to strengthen the Old Trafford midfield ranks beyond the end of the season, but City boss Mark Hughes is under greater pressure to spend and may pip his old boss to the Belgian's signature by making a January bid.

Inter Milan, Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers are also interested but Standard Liege believe it will come down to which Manchester club meets their asking price first.