Manchester United are all set to increase their bid for wantaway Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie as David Gill promised funds for more signings before the transfer window closes.
Sir Alex Ferguson has endured a frustrating summer, losing out on the likes of Lucas Moura and Eden Hazard, and seeing his efforts of bringing in Van Persie rebuffed by Arsenal repeatedly.
However, with United the only potential remaining suitors for the Dutch striker; according to the Daily Star, Ferguson hopes a renewed bid of £20 million ($31.3 million) will be enough to prize away last year's top scorer in the English Premier League.
Arsene Wenger reiterated his desire to keep hold of Van Persie, and is unlikely to sell the 29-year-old to a direct rival.
"There's no news on van Persie," Wenger told the Sun. "Our fans want him to stay so you can understand they are excited. Anything I could say about van Persie would be a lie because he's our player and that's it.
"Robin scored 30 goals last season and you want to keep your best player. He was player of the year in England. We want to keep him. I cannot tell you more at the moment because I don't know more.
"We have not bought the players to replace van Persie, but to strengthen our squad with the thinking van Persie will stay. That's still my mind at the moment."
Van Persie made an appearance for the Gunners in their final pre-season match against FC Koln, with the Arsenal fans giving him a muted response. It is understood the Dutchman is keen on a move to Old Trafford, and Ferguson hopes he can use that as his trump card as negotiations continue between the two clubs.
United chief executive David Gill insisted the Red Devils are still capable of competing in the transfer market, despite heavy debt being incurred by the club ever since the Glazer family's takeover. "We fully understand and the owners fully understand that what happens on the pitch is crucial to us and we will make sure there are sufficient funds to invest in the team going forward," Gill told the Daily Post.
"The level of debt that we've had at the club since they've taken over hasn't impacted on what we've done as a team.
"We've won four Premier Leagues, we've been to the Champions League final three times, we've had ongoing success on the pitch."
Manchester United scouts, along with Manchester City and Juventus watched teenager Kurt Zouma play for St Etienne against Lille on Sunday.
United have been reportedly keeping tabs on the 17-year-old central defender for a while, and might be ready to put in an official bid. Queens Park Rangers have also been credited with an interest in the French player in the past.
Meanwhile, Tom Cleverley is raring to go at United after making his first pre-season appearance for the club, since his return from the London Olympics, against Hannover.
"I've been away for a few weeks now but to come back into a good game in a good stadium and be playing with the world class players we've got only helps your game, so it's good to be back," the midfielder told the club's official website.
"I think the Olympics has been good for me. I've got six games under my belt including the two friendlies so I feel one hundred percent. I'm happy and looking forward to the season."
