Manchester United Transfers: Sir Alex Tries to Seal £20m Deal for Van Persie

According to The Sun, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was absent from his team's preseason clash with Hannover in Germany Saturday to negotiate a deal for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The report claims that United are eager to push through a transfer before the Premier League season kicks off in a week's time.

"Fergie is desperate for a breakthrough with the Gunners as he aims to get £20million RvP to Old Trafford before his team’s big kick-off next Monday," it claims.

The Arsenal hitman's future has been uncertain for well over a month, having handed in a transfer request not soon after the previous Premier League season had drawn to a close.

With only a year left to run on his current contract, it was believed that the North London club may be willing to sell, to avoid having the player leave for free next summer.

However, no doubt Manchester United are one of the last clubs on the planet that Wenger would sell one of football's most deadly forwards too, and would surely hike up the price in the face of Sir Alex's interest.

The Dutchman scored a prolific 30 league goals last campaign, and scooped numerous player-of-the-year awards as a consequence of his excellent form.

A large number of United fans have questioned the potential move though, noting van Persie's past injury issues and age (29).

But with the Red Devils having already missed out on top transfer targets Eden Hazard and Lucas Moura already this summer, it seems that Sir Alex remains determined to further reinforce his squad.

Either way, his team will certainly be raring to go when they travel to Goodison Park next Monday.