Proto race hots up

Man Utd and Arsenal are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Silvio Proto.

Both clubs have watched the La Louviere goalkeeper in the past month and are thought to have been impressed with his capabilities.

La Louviere have already confirmed to skysports.com that they will not stand in the player's way, should they receive a suitable offer.

Proto's agent, Pietro Alatta, has now suggested that both English clubs have already started negotiations and that a bidding war could well ensue.

The promising custodian is also believed to have attracted interest from Italy, but Alatta is adamant that a move to England is more likely.

''Manchester United and Arsenal are fighting for him,'' Alatta told Belgian paper Gazet van Antwerpen.

''Silvio is also the most wanted player in Belgium. Almost all clubs in Italy love him.

''Roma, Fiorentina, Siena, Vicenza, Genoa - all want him.

''Palermo even made a bid for him. But Proto prefers a move to England. No problem.

''Manchester United and Arsenal have started a war for him. Both have seen him several times and are very impressed.''

Proto has a contract with La Louviere until 2006, but a clause within this deal allows him to leave for ‚é¼625,000.

''Only Proto can decide if he will use that clause,'' continued Alatta.

''Anderlecht are also interested but they haven't made a concrete bid so far.

''I think they are afraid to make a small bid because they have heard which big clubs are interested also.

''I can't understand the top teams. Proto isn't expensive.''