Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly emerged as rivals in the race for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender.

The 23-year-old, who joined the ranks at the Westfalenstadion from 1860 Munich in 2009, was a key member of Jurgen Klopp's all-conquering Bundesliga-title winning teams, between 2010 and 2012. According to talkSPORT, the Manchester duo are now weighing up a summer move for the Germany international.

Sven Bender challenges Xabi Alonso
Reuters

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he is in the market for two players. With Paul Scholes set to retire, Anderson expected to leave and Darren Fletcher remaining unavailable, a midfielder looks a likely addition at Old Trafford, ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini, who has endured a disastrous season in the Premier League and Champions League, is determined to improve his ranks in the summer by bringing in some top talents.

Bender, who earned his first call-up for the senior national side over two years ago, is rated at over £12.5m. The Metro claims, apart from the Manchester rivals, Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the holding midfielder as Arsene Wenger continues his search for a long-term replacement for Alex Song.

United were previously linked to Sven's twin brother Lars, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen and operates in a similar position.

Wenger: Carrick Can Play for Barcelona

Wenger hailed United's Michael Carrick as an intelligent player and claimed the midfielder has the quality to play for Barcelona.

Carrick, who helped United to the Premier League title, is one of six nominees for the PFA Player of the Year award and the Arsenal boss has praised the former Tottenham Hotspur star for his impressive performances this season.

"[Carrick] could play in Barcelona as he would be perfectly suited to their game. He has good vision and is an intelligent player and it is for what he has achieved in his career," Wenger pointed out.

United take on Arsenal on Sunday, as Robin van Persie returns to the Emirates as a Premier League winner.

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