Manchester United Transfer Report: United Could Sign Robin Van Persie Tonight

Manchester United might have missed out on teenage sensation Lucas Moura, who looks set to snub the Red Devils for a move to Paris St. Germain (per ESPN Soccernet), but according to latest reports, they are moving closer and closer to a deal with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutch international has been strongly linked to Old Trafford over the summer transfer window after deciding not to renew his contract at the Emirates when it expires at the end of the year. And according to The Manchester Evening News, United are in the pole position to land the striker.

In fact, they could even do it as early as tonight.

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Manchester United have shot into pole position in the race to sign wantaway Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Earlier this week Roberto Mancini virtually conceded defeat in his attempts to lure the Dutchman to City and Juventus, the other contenders in a three-way battle, are now thought to have cooled their interest after being confronted with his hefty wage demands.

That leaves the Reds at the front of the queue, and Manchester Evening News Sport understands van Persie could jet in to sign as early as tonight. 

The targetman, who turned 29 on Sunday, was photographed training with his team-mates on Monday in Germany where the Arsenal squad are currently on tour. They take on FC Cologne on Sunday but it is unlikely van Persie will still be a Gunners player by then.

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The news comes as a fascinating development in the transfer saga, which looked set to fizzle out into nothing after Manchester City and Juventus both withdrew their interest in the striker. 

Arsenal's acquisition of Santi Cazorla in addition with previous signings Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski were believed to be enough to keep Robin van Persie at the club—at least according to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger (per The Daily Mirror).

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had previously indicated over the summer transfer window (per The Daily Mirror) that he felt the Red Devils were the favorites to land the 28-year-old striker.

And if latest reports are to be believed, then it seems that the veteran manager might have been right about it all along.

Will Robin van Persie sign for Manchester United this summer?

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