United still keen on RVP

Sir Alex Ferguson is still keen to sign Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, according to the Sun.

The Manchester United boss is at the Emirates Stadium today, attending a Labour Party Sports Dinner, and reports insist the Old Trafford chief is still keen to explore the possibility of signing van Persie.

The Premier League's top scorer made it clear last week that he wants to leave Arsenal, refusing to sign a new Gunners contract, and speculation has linked the Dutchman with a host of top clubs, including Manchester United.

Roberto Mancini's Manchester City are also alert to the opportunity, and are believed to be ready to make their move for the Arsenal striker once they've offloaded Emmanuel Adebayor to Spurs.

Italian giants Juventus are thought to be the frontrunners to secure the Dutchman's signature, but United are still interested. Ferguson is believed to see van Persie's £30million price tag as a little too steep, and the United boss is eager to avoid a bidding war with his City rivals.

Arsenal face City in China on July 27, and van Persie is thought to be desperate to sort out his future before the Gunners set off on their pre-season tour.

A move to United would see him form a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney, which would put United in an extremely strong position to challenge Mancini's side for the Premier League title next season.