Sir Alex Ferguson hopeful over Van Persie signing: We've made a bid and we have to perservere

Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful that Manchester United can secure a deal for Arsenal star Robin Van Persie and believes the club must persevere if it is to seal the want-away striker's signature.

Van Persie has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with United, Manchester City and Italian giant Juventus all linked with the Dutchman after he announced that he would not be signing a new contract with the Gunners in early July.

However no club has been able to agree a fee with the North London club, and the prospect of the 29-year-old remaning at The Emirates Stadium for another year has begun to look an increasingly likely one.

Still, Ferguson remains confident that a deal can be done to bring Van Persie to Old Trafford, and feels that perseverence will be key if United is to snap up his services.

Speaking after United's preseason penalty shootout defeat to Barcelona, he said: "We've made a bid, they've been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We have to persevere. Hopefully it comes our way.

"I don't know what Arsenal's thoughts are because they're not giving anything away."