Turkish side Fenerbahce have opened talks to sign Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.Van Persie, 31, moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal for £24m in 2012 and scored 26 goals in the Premier League as United won the title in 2012-13.
But the Dutchman, who has one year left on his contract, has struggled with injury and scored 10 goals last season.
Ex-United team-mate Nani joined Fenerbahce, runners-up in the Super Lig last season, for £4.25m on Monday.
Van Persie’s departure would leave boss and fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal with just two fit first-choice strikers in Wayne Rooney and James Wilson.
Colombia forward Radamel Falcao, who spent last season on loan at Old Trafford, has joined Chelsea while Javier Hernandez is recovering from a fractured collarbone.
Recent £31m signing Memphis Depay, though primarily a winger, can play a central role. Upon signing the player, Van Gaal spoke of the Netherlands international’s “versatility” – he ended last season as the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 22 goals for PSV Eindhoven.
Van Persie is the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer with 49 goals in 98 games, a tally which includes his superb diving header in their World Cup opener against Spain last year.
His career in England began when he joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 for £2.75m.
He scored 132 goals in 278 appearances for the Gunners and has netted 58 times in 105 games for United.
Van Persie in numbers |
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1 x Premier League (2012-13, Man Utd) |
2 x Premier League Golden Boot (2011-12 Arsenal, 2012-13 Man Utd) |
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1 x FA Cup (2005, Arsenal |
1 x PFA Player of the Year (2011-12 Arsenal) |
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49 goals for Holland |
132 goals for Arsenal |
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58 goals for Manchester United |
2010 World Cup runner-up |
