Manchester United are closing on a deal for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie. The Mail on Sunday says Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to take his spending to close on £50m by finally ending the Van Persie transfer saga this week.

Ferguson is optimistic that any further hitches will be overcome for the Holland striker to become a United player before the season's curtain-raiser in a fortnight.

The Arsenal striker, the current Footballer of the Year, has been courted by Manchester City and Inter Milan and his inclusion in the squad's pre-season preparation in Germany has increased speculation that he may even sign a new contract at the Emirates.

But he has not concealed his desire to move to Old Trafford and that is the ace up Ferguson's sleeve.

The United boss will have to compromise on his refusal to comply with the Gunners' £25m demand, with the final figure likely to be about the £20m mark.