Robin van Persie is nearing a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce after agreeing personal terms, according to a report by the Guardian. It is believed that the Manchester United striker’s agent, Kees Vos, was in Istanbul for negotiations with the Super Lig side in order to complete a deal from Manchester United.
The Guardian report further adds that Manchester United and Fenerbahce are currently negotiating on a fee for the striker. It is believed that the player has agreed a four-year-deal with the club. The report says that Dirk Kuyt who has had a stint at Fenerbahce was crucial in convincing Van Persie to go ahead with the move.
Kuyt played in Istanbul for three seasons where he won the Turkish League, Turkish Cup and the Super Cup. The former Arsenal striker had said earlier that the best interest of his family was his priority when it came to his future. And Kuyt is believed to have convinced his compatriot to make the move to Turkey.
Out of favour
The Dutchman’s stock at Manchester United had fallen in last season as he fell out of favour with Louis van Gaal. Van Persie was the captain of Netherlands under Van Gaal and was expected to have the backing of the manager when he moved to Old Trafford.
But it has not gone according to script as he fell down the pecking order behind Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao. Injuries also did not help his case as the 31-year-old was unable to replicate the form he showed in his first season at the Old Trafford.
In the 2012-13 season, the Dutch national team top scorer had fired the Red Devils to their 20th League title after signing from Arsenal. But in the following seasons, the striker has been unable to replicate his goal scoring exploits in his debut season for United.
Signing up players
Another Manchester United player who could be on his way to Fenerbahce is Nani who is expected to have his medical on Sunday. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan to Sporting Lisbon after falling out of favour at United. The deal will see the Portuguese winger leave the club he joined in 2007.
If Van Persie does sign for the Turkish outfit, then he will be their seventh signing so far. The club which finished runners-up in last season’s Super Lig have already completed the signing of Simon Kjaer (Lille), Fernandao (Atletico PR), Sener Ozbayrakli (Bursaspor). They have also captured Abdoulaye Ba and Fabiano on loan from FC Porto. Meanwhile, Nani is expected to complete his move to Istanbul soon on a four-year deal.