Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Robin van Persie, Sergio Ramos Rumours

Manchester United have hatched a plan to sell Robin van Persie to Turkish side Fenerbahce without him knowing, according to former Netherlands international Pierre van Hooijdonk.

An ex-player for the Istanbul-based side, Van Hoojidonk claims to have information that United began to negotiate for RvP's departure during the January transfer window, as relayed by David McDonnell of the Mirror:

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As early as January of this year, I received information from Turkey about Robin and Fenerbahce. The minute this information came, you knew that United had sent people to test the water for a move.

Agents and others were searching for big clubs who are prepared to pay the high fee involved for van Persie. Robin’s contract expires next year, so this is the moment when United can still get money for him.

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The Mirror ran this story as its Thursday morning headline, tweeted by B/R UK:

Van Hooijdonk believes his compatriot "is in a difficult situation." Van Persie "has the feeling" he is no longer needed but "a big club in England, Spain or Germany is a more attractive option." He goes on to say, "behind his back the two clubs have done a big deal" and that RvP will be "almost forced" to go where United dictate.

Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal—who shared a prosperous relationship with Van Persie during his spell as Netherlands boss—failed to get the best out of the 31-year-old striker during the 2014-15 season. Injury problems and poor form saw Van Persie hit just 10 Premier League goals in 27 appearances.

He scored 12 in 21 under David Moyes during the previous campaign, another total well below the stunning 26 he netted en route to the title during his debut season at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson got the best out of him before he retired, something no other United boss has managed to replicate.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

It makes sense to cash in on Van Persie. He has just one year left on his contract and can move for free at the end of next season. United need pace up top, players who will break beyond the opposition's defence rather than play with their backs to goal. Van Persie is past his prime, but there's no doubt he could still excel in the right environment.

We've seen ageing stars such as Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra leave the club in the last year. In Van Gaal's bid to refresh United, it wouldn't be a surprise to see his compatriot pushed through the door while he still holds value.

Calderon: Ramos 'Only Wants to Join United'

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Another day, another snippet of information in the saga that links Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos to United. Former Blancos president Ramon Calderon believes the Spanish defender has his eyes set on the Theatre of Dreams if he's to leave the Bernabeu.

"I know Sergio has told the general manager to listen to offers they get from Manchester United," said Calderon, relayed by Simon Stone of BBC Sport. "He only wants to go to United."

Calderon also provided an update on Ramos' relationship with current Madrid president Florentino Perez. "Things are in a very bad situation," he said. "As time has gone on, things have not only not improved. They have got worse. Now it is not a question of money [in a new contract]. It is a lack of affection the player is feeling from Real Madrid."

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently analysed whether United will sign the player:

McDonnell suggests United's second bid of £30 million was rejected and that they aren't willing to go higher until Madrid pay handsomely for goalkeeper David De Gea. Paqui Ramos, the player's mother, told La Sexta (h/t AS) that her son "wants Spain."

Sportskeeda provided a cartoon to summarise the situation:

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Real Madrid​ or Manchester United​.. Sergio Ramos​ is in a dilemma. #HelpRamosChoose pic.twitter.com/Y99HPZh2f5

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) July 2, 2015"

Calderon's comments will give many United fans hope that a new leader is on the way. Ramos is the type of gutsy defender needed to help push the side beyond last season's fourth-place finish.

Van Gaal is slowly getting rid of deadwood to ensure every space in his squad is filled with quality.

Van Persie could be next, and removing the striker's wages will play a major role in landing new talent. Ramos isn't going to come cheap if he is to be lured to Old Trafford, but he is exactly the kind of statement arrival United need.