Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to fight Manchester City all the way in the battle for Arsenal contract rebel Robin van Persie. The Mail on Sunday says City would appear to be in the driving seat to land the Arsenal striker but Manchester United manager Ferguson has still not given up hope of signing the 29-year-old in a cut-price deal.

The two Manchester clubs were only separated by goal difference at the end of last season and Ferguson is determined to get one over his rivals in the transfer market.

Sources close to Van Persie have indicated that, if he does move, Old Trafford might be his preference.