Palermo have confirmed the signing of FC Midtjylland defender Simon Kjaer.

Among others, Kjaer had a trial at Real Madrid and was a £3m option for Liverpool, Chelsea and Middlesbrough.

"You realise how special this kid is when Liverpool watch him and tell you he's good enough to play in their first team," said agent Mikkel Beck.

"Leo Messi, Wayne Rooney, Dos Santos - he is special like them.

"Lille and Monaco were the first to show an interest, then Real made a much better offer and it was turned down. He is worth a lot more."

Palermo have not confirmed the financial details, but have put him under contract from July 1, 2008.