Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in the hunt for Arsenal contract rebel Robin van Persie. The Sun says Ferguson will be among the guests at the Labour Party Sports Dinner this evening at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

And sources insist Fergie remains in the hunt for Van Persie after the Dutchman refused to extend his deal with the Gunners.

United's rivals Manchester City are determined to step up their interest in last season's double player of the year once they have finalised the £6million sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Tottenham.

Van Persie, however, is believed to be concerned about boss Roberto Mancini's policy of rotating his strikers and possibly being a sub.

Fergie would love to pair him with Wayne Rooney to form a formidable partnership as he bids to take the title back to Old Trafford.