Manchester United Transfer News: Robin Van Persie and Enzo Perez Bids Reported

Robin van Persie has reportedly caught the interest of Fenerbahce, while Manchester United are ready to tempt Benfica with a bid for midfielder Enzo Perez, according to reports.

The Red Devils are expected to continue investing heavily during the January transfer window. Poorly performing players may also be up for the chop, but Alex Harris of the Daily Star suggested Fenerbahce won't be able to prise Van Persie away from Old Trafford in the winter, despite the striker netting just three Premier League goals this season.

Van Persie's overall game has been lacking for some time. His movement is particularly worrying, as the Dutchman is no longer picking intelligent runs or splitting the defence with quick bursts forward. United's midfield rarely have an out-and-out striking target to hit and have instead become used to playing the ball to Angel Di Maria, who then drives forward to bring possession closer to Van Persie.

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As such, RvP has received plenty of criticism. Former Southampton striker Matt Le Tissier is among those to notice an obvious dip in quality from the player, as reported by Sky Sports and via Harris:

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It is a bit of a struggle for van Persie. [...] He always seemed to thrive when he was the main man. At the moment he is nowhere near that. He is not finding his form and maybe he might be at that point in his career where he has gone just past his best and he is on his way down a little bit.

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Ex-United defender Gary Neville also believes the team setup isn't aiding Van Persie's form, as revealed to Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show (via Thomas Jacobs of the Daily Mail):

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There's pressure on Van Persie, people want more from him. He's got to do better in long situations and needs to make better runs. But his team-mates aren't finding him as much as (Paul) Scholes and (Michael) Carrick were two years ago.

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Van Persie averages a goal every three Premier League matches this season, per WhoScored.com. He averaged one every 1.75 domestic fixtures last season and scored every 1.46 games during his debut year, which saw United win the title. His ratio has dropped at an alarming rate and signifies how Louis van Gaal's side are yet to reach their potential this season.

The club are also reported to be eyeing Perez as a midfield reinforcement, per Anthony Chapman of the Express. He is a destroyer and shouldn't be viewed as a creative force who can help supply Van Persie from deep.

Perez's alleged £23.5 million release clause is certainly interesting, as his energy, control in possession and affinity for hard-hitting tackles would suit the Premier League well. Perez is smart on the ball and could offer a more energetic alternative to Daley Blind, as highlighted below:

Van Gaal's side are expected to continue improving after positive displays against Chelsea and Manchester City. Van Persie was once touted as the manager's likely club captain, but his lack of intensity in recent matches perhaps underlines why Wayne Rooney was selected instead.

RvP needs to up his energy, remain on the shoulder of the last defender and find greater space in the box before he can return to match-defining form. Considering he is 31 and has a history of serious injury problems, taking it too easy for too long could see irreversible lethargy hamper his game.

United's next fixture against Crystal Palace provides the perfect opportunity for Van Persie to begin hushing the critics, a match he scored in both at home and away last season. One goal and an excellent performance would set United on their way heading into the following fixture with Arsenal.