Manchester United have revealed they expect to spend £40million during the summer transfer window as Lucas Moura, Robin van Persie, and Leighton Baines continue to be linked with moves to Old Trafford.
United have already signed Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell this summer and manager Sir Alex Ferguson last month confirmed he was looking to bring in "one or two" more new faces before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Ever since Ferguson recently confirmed his interest in Arsenal captain Van Persie, the Red Devils have been favourites with bookmakers to win the race to secure his services this summer.
But United face competition from rivals Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus in the race to sign the Dutchman, and reports in recent days have suggested Ferguson is unwilling to spend more than £15million on the player Arsenal value at more than £20m.
Everton left-back Baines is believed to be high on Ferguson's shopping list as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, while the Scot is also hoping to complete a deal for Sao Paulo starlet Moura, despite reports in the past 24 hours suggesting Inter Milan are closing in on the Brazilian (see Related Articles).
Regardless, United's chief operating officer, Michael Bolingbroke, has suggested that Ferguson is set to spend in the next few weeks.
Speaking at an investor roadshow ahead of the club's IPO, Bolingbroke said that United's net spend over the last 10-15 years had averaged out at between £20-25million.
But he added: "We are giving guidance at the moment that the current transfer period could result in net expenditure nearer £40million."
Dimitar Berbatov has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks and his sale could further increase Ferguson's transfer budget.
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