Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Van Persie, Henriquez, Baines and Taylor Discussed in Latest Speculation

Sir Alex Ferguson has made direct contact with his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger as he looks to try and force through Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United. The Daily Mail also reports that United are set to launch an improved bid for the Dutch forward.

It looks increasingly likely that the 29-year-old will be plying his trade at Old Trafford next season, with some reports claiming a deal could be struck by the time the new Premier League season kicks-off this weekend. According to the Sun, the two clubs are set to compromise with a £22 million deal.

With Van Persie having indicated his desire for a move to Old Trafford, all-but ending the interest of Juventus and Manchester City, Arsenal are faced with a choice of selling their captain to their long-term rivals or losing him for nothing next summer.

Ferguson's direct approach to Wenger, along with his absence from several preseason friendlies to work on the transfer, indicates the importance of the deal to the veteran United boss. While signing a forward was not believed to be a priority this summer, after missing out on the transfers of Eden Hazard and Lucas Moura, Ferguson appears keen to add a marquee signing to help recover from the disappointments of last season.

While the pursuit of Van Persie goes on, United look to have all but wrapped-up a deal for another forward. Young Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez is reportedly in Manchester undergoing a medical ahead of a move from Universidad de Chile. The Daily Mail even carries pictures of Henriquez, apparently after completing a medical.

Henriquez, 18, has been in Britain of late competing for Chile's youth side in the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland. A move to United has long been expected, with the club having a first-option on the player, but a deal is believed to have been accelerated after Manchester City showed an interest.

Henriquez scored 11 league goals in just 17 appearances last season.

Although United could soon be strengthening their frontline, there is yet no sign of Ferguson ending his quest to sign a new left-back. With Fabio da Silva on a season-long loan at Queens Park Rangers, Patrice Evra is currently the only established left-back on United's books.

Everton's Leighton Baines has been linked to a move for much of the summer, but a deal appears no nearer completion. Indeed, the Manchester Evening News reports that a deal is unlikely following Everton's selling of Jack Rodwell to Manchester City.

The sale of the midfielder has reportedly eased the pressure on Everton boss David Moyes to sell should a substantial offer arrive from United.

With that in mind, Ferguson is thought to be turning his attentions to Swansea's Neil Taylor, according to the Daily Mirror. The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season in the Premier League with the Welsh side and also appeared for Great Britain in this summer's Olympics.

Having already lost Joe Allen to Liverpool this summer, it seems unlikely that Swansea would be willing to allow Taylor to leave for the Mirror's valuation of £5 million, however.