Fergie tries to pinch van Persie from City

Alex Ferguson last night confirmed Manchester United have made a bid for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, with the manager’s rare public comment on a transfer rumour reflecting an increasing confidence at Old Trafford that they may have got their man.

The Irish Examiner understands that United feel they have made a very persuasive case to the forward, despite competition from Juventus and Manchester City. Van Persie is known to be a long-time supporter of the Serie A club but, although he would hugely welcome the opportunity to play in Turin, he is less willing to accept the kind of reduced wages such a transfer would necessitate, given his market value. Juventus are apparently struggling to come up with the funds to get anywhere near the Manchester clubs.

United’s confidence, however, is complicated by the fact van Persie’s representatives reportedly agreed a deal in principle with City earlier in the summer.