Manchester United look to finalise Van Persie deal

In what is fast becoming the transfer saga of the summer, Manchester United is today reportedly edging closer to agreeing a deal to sign Robin Van Persie from Arsenal. Ever since the Dutchman signalled his intentions to leave Arsenal after spending eight seasons with the North London side, he has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, despite public admiration shown from a normally reluctant Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal has been holding out for a sum that it feels warrants selling its star player, who has just one year left to run on his contract.

However, with Ferguson missing from his side’s last two pre-season games, it is now being reported that a deal is close to being finalised. Van Persie, last season’s Premier League player of the year, is currently on international duty with Holland, but could still complete the move before United’s first fixture of the season at Everton on Monday. The former Feyenoord man had attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Juventus, however, it is thought that Van Persie is only interested in a move to the red side of Manchester. United has already tested the water with an initial offer which was quickly rejected; United is thought to be willing to part with up to £22 million to get its man.

On a day that has seen United secure the services of England international Danny Welbeck for a further five years, as well as completing the signing of young Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez, United fans will be hoping for a speedy resolution in the Van Persie saga.

A move for the Dutchman would see United have a whole host of forward options, with a potential partnership with Wayne Rooney likely to excite the Old Trafford faithful, as well as sending fear through opposition defences.

United is showing no signs of stopping its spending, having been linked to a whole host of players in order to regain the title from arch rivals Manchester City. Shinji Kagawa arrived from Borussia Dortmund with the aim of solving United’s midfield problems, and Sir Alex is still looking into options at left-back to provide competition for Patrice Evra, who at times struggled to reach top form last season.

James Fuller, football correspondent