Man Utd targeting Van Persie and Baines after Moura deal collapses
Sir Alex Ferguson will focus his efforts on signing Robin Van Persie and Leighton Baines after failing in his pursuit of Lucas Moura according to a Footy Bunker source.
Moura’s agent Wagner Ribeiro suggested the 19-year-old won’t join Manchester United this summer after they failed to meet Sao Paulo’s valuation of the Brazilian midfielder.
Ferguson is now expected to concentrate on winning the race for Van Persie’s signature after they, along with, Manchester City and Italian champions Juventus submitted formal bids.
It’s understood that the Red Devil’s have made a £15 million offer for the want-away Holland international striker although the Gunners will hold out for £20m.
Chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists the 28-year-old won’t leave the Emirates Stadium for less than his valuation despite the player stating he won’t renew his contract which has a year to run.
“He is a world class player and we do not want to give him away,” said Hill-Wood. “If he is determined to leave then that is up to him, but giving him away is not on our agenda.
“To be honest I do not understand him at all. I understood Cesc Fabregas wanting to go home to Barcelona last summer. I had sympathy with that.
“But I thought Robin was happy at Arsenal. Especially after the season that he had with us.”
Ferguson will also make signing Everton left back Baines a priority before the new Premier League campaign gets underway next month and will test the waters with a £12m bid.
The 70-year-old wants the England international as the long-term replacement for Patrice Evra and is ready to progress beyond informal discussions and make an offer.
Despite the perilous financial situation at Goodison Park manager David Moyes is reluctant to sell the 27-year-old who he considers a vital part of his squad.
However he is aware that Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright can’t turn down big money offers for any player and could accept bids below their £17m valuation.
