Transfer gossip: Man United attempt to offload Van Persie behind his back

Robin redface

Whilst the entrance door at Old Trafford remains noticeably unused, it seems United chiefs are trying to push someone out of the exit. The Mirror report that Manchester United have been trying to offload Robin van Persie to the continent for some time now - without the striker's knowledge. The source for the story? Ex-Celtic man Pierre van Hooijdonk, who heard something in Turkey in January. Sounds legit...

Nani McFee

Another persona non grata at Manchester United is former next Cristiano Ronaldo (but only in his head), Mr Nani. The Portuguese spent last season on loan to Sporting Lisbon, and regained some of the form he showed the last time he was at Sporting Lisbon. But the Star suggest United will be happy to flog him for £6m. Fenerbahce have offered £3.5m, but that's not enough to talk turkey...

Chelsea Falc

The Guardian reckon that Radamel Falcao's move to Chelsea is not a clever satire on the power of agents in the modern game but actually true. The newspaper report that, according to the Colombian striker’s family, he will link up with his new club on their pre-season tour of North America. The deal is further evidence that Jorge Mendes is now the king of all football and can make any deal happen just by willing it.

Other stuff...

*Manchester City are increasingly pessimistic about signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, with Barcelona now favourites. (Mail) *But they're increasingly hopeful of securing 24-year-old forward Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg. (Mail) *Aston Villa are set to make a £6.5m move for Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Lille. (Sun) *But it could prompt the departure of Fabian Delph, possibly to Manchester City. (Sun)