Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck is close to agreeing to a new deal with the club, as Sir Alex Ferguson makes a concerted effort to sign Robin Van Persie, by reaching out to Arsene Wenger.
Welbeck has been stalling on signing a new contract, after the club reportedly refused to meet his salary demands. However, according to the Daily Mail, after much discussion between both parties, the protracted talks seem to have come to an end, with the England international agreeing to a five-year deal worth £75,000 a week ($117,000).
The 21-year-old established himself at Old Trafford last year, quickly becoming Ferguson's preferred striker partner to Wayne Rooney. Welbeck scored nine goals last season, and Ferguson now expects the talented youngster to hit the 20-goal mark this season.
After losing out on Lucas Moura, United are turning their attentions back to James Rodriguez. The Porto winger was constantly linked with a move to United earlier in the summer, and Ferguson might turn again look at the possibility of signing the talented winger, although the 21-year-old will come with a hefty price-tag.
Malaga midfielder Isco, seen by many as one of the most talented youngsters in Spain, is also being seen as a possibility, with United keen to take advantage of the current financial turmoil at the Spanish club.
Reports in Spain suggest, if Malaga refuse to sell Isco, Ferguson could raid the Spanish side's left-sided players Eliseu and Nacho Monreal.
Monreal, 26, is seen by the club as a potential long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, while the pacy Portuguese Eliseu is a good utility player capable of playing at left-back or higher up in midfield.
According to several reports in England, Ferguson has reached out personally to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in a bid to convince the Frenchman to sell their prolific striker to United.
The Daily Mail reports, Ferguson is confident Arsenal will be willing to sell their prized asset with a bid of £20 million ($31.3 million) plus add-ons being discussed.
While Wenger is reluctant to sell to a direct rival, Arsenal are aware of the possibility of losing Van Persie, who has just one year remaining on his contract, for nothing next year and have also been put off by the cold reception given to the 29-year-old by the Gunners fans during the club's final pre-season friendly against FC Cologne.
