Manchester United last night emerged as front runners to sign AC Milan's unsettled Dutch striker, Patrick Kluivert.

Kluivert nominated United as the club he most wants to join, after stressing he does not want to stay in Italy, where he had an unhappy season in Serie A last term.

"I will not be going back to play for Milan," he told England's Mail on Sunday. "I've played my last game for them because I'm disappointed by the way the game is played in Italy.

"Ideally, I want to play in the English Premier League. I admire Manchester United and would welcome a move there," the Dutch star admitted.

United are also reportedly one of 15 top European clubs who will be represented at a meeting in London today to discuss plans for a European Super League.

According to the German tabloid Bild, the get-together was initiated by Italian giants AC and Inter Milan plus Juventus along with European Cup winners Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The clubs are reportedly aiming for the new midweek set-up to be in place for the 2000-2001 season.