Manchester United chief David Gill is taking over negotiations for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie. The Telegraph says United remain hopeful that renewed negotiations with Arsenal this weekend, involving Old Trafford chief executive Gill, will seal a deal for Van Persie.

United have been rebuffed with bids of £10million and £15million for the Dutch striker but manager Alex Ferguson has said the club will "just have to persevere" with their attempts to sign the 29 year-old.

Van Persie has told the club that he wants to leave and would prefer to join United rather than Juventus.

If Manchester United increase their bid in excess of £20million a deal is likely to be brokered this weekend between Gill, 56, and Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis.