The Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is edging closer to a move to Fenerbahce after reaching an agreement in principle with the Super Lig side.
It is understood that Van Persie's agent, Kees Vos, has been in Istanbul for the past two days, involved in negotiations with the Turkish club to secure a deal. The two clubs are currently negotiating a fee for the 31-year-old, who has agreed personal terms with the club and is ready to sign a four-year deal.
The Holland international's wife initially had reservations about a move to Turkey, but warmed to the idea after spending last week in Istanbul. The Guardian understands that the former Fenerbahce winger Dirk Kuyt has been key in convincing Van Persie to make the move. The former Liverpool player spent three seasons in Istanbul winning the Super Lig, the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup during his time.
Since being Louis van Gaal’s captain when the Dutchman coached Holland at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil, Van Persie’s stock has fallen dramatically at United. When Van Gaal took over the 20-times champions a few days after the tournament ended, Van Persie was considered the favourite to be named United’s new leader following Nemanja Vidic’s departure.
However, Van Gaal chose Wayne Rooney to wear the armband instead with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick his vice-captains. This was an initial indication of how the manager viewed Van Persie and by the end of the season the striker had been dropped by Van Gaal.
Even Radamel Falcao, who suffered a dismal campaign while on-loan at United, kept Van Persie out of the side. For the pivotal visit to Chelsea on 18 April Falcao started against José Mourinho’s team and Van Persie was an unused substitute. What may be his final appearance for the club came as a 61st-minute substitute for Falcao in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 May.
For a player who fired United to their last championship, in the 2012-13 season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final in charge, his exit, if confirmed, will prove muted. Since that season Van Persie has been injury plagued and his goal return has fallen away. Last season he managed only 10 in all competitions for United.
Van Persie’s United team-mate Nani is also on his way to Fenerbahce and will have a medical with the club on Sunday. If Van Persie joins the winger in Istanbul he would become the club’s seventh signing of the summer.
The Super Lig runners up have already completed the transfers of Lille centre-back Simon Kjaer, Atlético PR striker Fernandao and Bursaspor full-back Sener Ozbayrakli on four-year deals.
Porto duo Abdoulaye Ba and Fabiano have both joined on loan and Nani is also expected to complete a four-year deal after his medical.
The changes mark a shift in the way the club is run. The former Inter and Lazio official Giuliano Terraneo became the club's first foreign sporting director when he arrived from Italy last month, while Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira became the first foreign manager at the club since Christoph Daum in 2009.
Fenerbahce finished the Super Lig in second place last season and booked a place in the Champions League play-off round.
(Guardian service)
