Manchester City, Portsmouth and United have been told they can have Anelka for £9m thanks to an escape clause in his contract.

Neither United nor City want to sign him on a long-term deal but Anelka told French newspaper L'Equipe: "A lot of clubs are interested but they give up as soon as they realise my salary is big.

"I am not prepared to make any sacrifices on a financial level. I know my level and my quality. I will not accept any old offer. Manchester United is just chit-chat. At no time has there been a real desire to sign me. I have the level needed for a big club but I cannot force them to take me."