MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER RUMOURS: Modric, Van Persie, Elm and Berbatov Discussed In Latest Speculation

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his club are set to pull off a sensational coup by signing Arsenal forward Robin van Persie, according to the Daily Mirror.

Van Persie has just a year left to run on his Arsenal contract and has signaled that he has no intention of signing an extension. Despite interest from the likes of Juventus and neighbors City, United reportedly believe they will secure the Dutchman this summer for £20 million.

The Independent reported earlier this week that Turin was Van Persie's favored destination, with United second in line followed by City.

However, the Mirror claims that Ferguson has told his footballing friends that Van Persie will be plying his trade at Old Trafford alongside Wayne Rooney next season. Quite how the Mirror know the details of Ferguson's conversations with friends is not divulged.

The fact that Van Persie turns 29 next month and would require a significant fee and huge wages, mean that a deal would go completely against United's philosophy in the transfer market in recent times.

Second only to Van Persie's transfer saga this summer is the continued haggling over the future of Luka Modric. United have long been chasing the Croatian playmaker, although Real Madrid are widely considered favorites for his signature.

Despite Tottenham desiring to sell Modric abroad, Real have yet to come up with Spurs' £35 million asking price.

His situation will continue as it is until the price is right, said Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas. Luka is an intelligent person and understands the club have to defend his value, their values, rights and interests.

The offer has not met what the chairman wants. If that is met there won't be any problems.

It's important to understand his feelings. We have been speaking and I understand his point and he understands the club's point.

Modric was due to return to training on Thursday and Marca believes that he will inform Spurs of his desire to leave, ideally to Real. The Spanish publication later claimed that Modric had failed to train and instead merely held talks with his bosses before heading home. Real will hope such a move will force Tottenham to sell for less, though United could still come into the reckoning should they match the 26-year-old's massive valuation.

United have also been linked with another creative midfielder in Rasmus Elm. The Swedish international's potential exit from AZ Alkmaar has been speculated for much of the summer, with United, along with Liverpool and Hamburg reported to be interested.

The Dutch side's technical director Earnie Stewart stated that they are eager for the 24-year-old's future to be resolved.

We have talked with Elm and his agent and hope to know what Rasmus wants soon, the former U.S. international said, according to Sky Sports.

After that we'll know what we can do.

Manchester United are expected to free up some space on their wage bill this summer with the sale of Dimitar Berbatov. The mercurial front man recently reiterated his desire to leave the club in search of first-team action, but it would appear that no bids have yet been forthcoming.

Berbatov started in United's opening match of pre-season in South Africa on Wednesday, laying on the only goal for Federico Macheda. While Ferguson lauded the Bulgarian's abilities afterward, Berbatov's agent has said that a move to Italy may be imminent.

He may leave Manchester United at any time. His most likely destination is Italy, he's always loved Italian football.

I know that Milan and Juventus are looking for a striker, said Emil Dantchev, according to ESPN. I can say that they are two big clubs. I cannot say much but I do say that Berbatov likes Milan and looks good in red and black.

Dimitar would run to AC Milan, because the club have appreciated him for years. They will have to speak with Manchester United and start negotiations.