Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.
United, rivals Manchester City, and Italian champions Juventus all tabled bids for Van Persie last month after he stated he had no plans to sign a new contract at Arsenal.
United have been favourites with bookmakers to win the race to sign the 29-year-old ever since manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed his interest several weeks ago.
And after City boss Roberto Mancini earlier this week admitted he was unlikely to sign the Netherlands international, the Red Devils earlier this week became odds-on to sign the Dutchman before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The striker's existing deal at Emirates Stadium expires next summer and it has widely expected for some time that he will be on the move this month.
Weekend reports had suggested that Van Persie could still start the season at Arsenal as the Gunners hold out for at least £20million.
Offers received from all three clubs last month were all for less than £15m.
But according to the Manchester Evening News, United are hoping to secure a deal for the forward by the end of the week.
And according to Wednesday's report, Van Persie could fly to Manchester from Arsenal's pre-season training camp in Germany in the next 24 hours to hold talks.
United's increased efforts to sign Van Persie come after Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura revealed he is likely to snub a move to Manchester and instead join Paris Saint-Germain (see Related Articles).
Man Utd at time of writing are odds-on favourites with bookmakers Sky Bet to win the race to sign Van Persie this month, ahead of Juventus and Man City.
AC Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid have also shown interest in Van Persie.