Manchester United's hopes of landing their top summer target, Kevin Strootman from PSV, have taken a knock.
Reports in Holland says the central midfielder is set for talks with Italian giants AC Milan and is ready to chose Italy ahead of a move to England.
Sir Alex Ferguson has apparently targeted the 22-year-old as the man he wants to add to his midfield as he plots a way to try and win the Premier League title back next season.
United chief executive David Gill insists the club are able to compete in the transfer market despite recent results which show the are spending almost a £1m a month just servicing their debts.