Robin Van Persie - Spotlight On
United have so far been unsuccessful in their attempts to buy a number of top strikers, including Thomas Muller, Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani and Harry Kane, while Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain’s has a formidable £62m buy-out clause in his contract.
Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, West Brom’s Saido Berahino and QPR’s Charlie Austin could all now come under consideration with Van Gaal having only Wayne Rooney, new signing Memphis Depay and youngster James Wilson as recognised front-runners.
Holland international Van Persie will end his 11-year spell in England after accepting the offer of a lucrative three-year contract, with the option for a fourth, from the Turkish club, who have agreed to match his £200,000-a-week wages at Old Trafford.
Van Persie, who turns 32 next month, was entering the last year on the four-year deal he signed after his £24m move from Arsenal in 2012 deal and United had no plans to offer him an extension.
Van Gaal also could not guarantee him the regular starts he needs to ensure he remains in Holland’s plans for next summer’s European Championship finals.
Van Persie had the first part of his medical in London yesterday and will complete it when he flies to Istanbul on Sunday with Fenerbahce – who last week signed winger Nani from United – hoping to officially unveil him on Monday.