Manchester United are desperate to get Robin Van Persie off the books, and have been making moves over a sale to Fenerbahce since January, claims former Netherlands international Pierre Van Hooijdonk.
The future of Van Persie has been talked about a fair bit over the past few weeks, after a second underwhelming season for the Dutchman.
Ever since firing Manchester United to the title in Sir Alex Ferguson's last season as manager, Van Persie has had a rough time of it at Old Trafford, with injuries and change in managers leading to his not-so-good form in front of goal.
With a year still remaining in his contract, speculation has been rife over the possible exit of the former Arsenal striker, with Fenerbahce looking like the most likely destination.
According to Van Hooijdonk, the Van Persie to Fenerbahce move has been in the works for quite a while now, and not all of it in with the full knowledge of the player himself.
"As early as January of this year, I received information from Turkey about Robin and Fenerbahce," Van Hooijdonk wrote in his column for Voetbal International. "The minute this information came, you knew that United had sent people to test the water for a move.
"Agents and others were searching for big clubs who are prepared to pay the high fee involved for van Persie. Robin's contract expires next year, so this is the moment when United can still get money for him."
While Van Persie has said he wants to stay at Manchester United and see out the end of his contract, at the very least, the 31-year-old also admitted he will have to look for a new club if he is not guaranteed regular first-team football.
The likes of Roma, Juventus and Galatasaray have also been linked with a move for the Dutchman, but Van Hooijdonk believes Manchester United have already struck a deal with Fenerbahce.
"Van Persie is in a difficult situation," the former striker added. "To the outside world he says he is happy to stay and I can understand this. But Robin has the feeling that United want to get rid of him.
"A big club in England, Spain or Germany is a more attractive option. Until the player realises that behind his back the two clubs have done a big deal.
"That is the moment the pressure is put on. You are almost forced to go to the club where your employer has struck a deal. This is what I mean with games being played right now."
Van Hooijdonk, adding in his column, also implored Van Persie to leave Manchester United this summer, in order to get more game time and lock his place in the Netherlands team for Euro 2016, assuming, of course, the Dutch qualify.
"I would advise Robin to leave United this summer," Van Hooijdonk added. "All the signals are there that the club wants to sell him. So he has to get out on time.
"There is a lot at stake right now for Robin. He could be heading for his last Euro tournament in France next summer. So he needs to play a lot in the 10 months before the Euros."
