Wes Brown could quit Manchester United on a free at the end of the season.
The England defender's contract expires this summer and he is keen to secure his long-term future at Old Trafford.
But while talks over a new deal are ongoing, Sunderland, Newcastle and Manchester City are wating to pounce.
Brown is hoping for an offer of around £50,000 a week and unless agreement is reached United could lose a player valued at around £6million.
Meanwhile United and Arsenal are set to lock horns over Argentina's Angel Di Maria.
The midfielder, 19, was poised to join the Gunners in the summer but the move broke down and he signed for Benfica instead.
He is now keen on a January move to Old Trafford and said: "It has always been my dream to join United."