The catch of the day is the development in the never-ending Robin Van Persie Arsenal to Manchester United saga, finally Alex Ferguson has come out with an official statement expressing his interest for the Dutch international.

Wenger is holding out for £25m, bumping up the original estimation as he refuses to give bitter rivals United the edge in the upcoming season without due compensation.

Arsenal captain Van Persie has been offered the same £220,000-a-week contract as the current top earner Wayne Rooney to make the transition to Old Trafford, several big name papers expect the deal to be completed this week.

A few miles out of Manchester Brendan Rodgers is busy hatching a plan to bring Swansea midfield starlet Joe Allen to Liverpool in a £15m deal. The Swans may have to give in to the Reds offer in order to strengthen depth in the squad.

Liverpool are also making enquiries for Manchester City attacking midfielder Adam Johnson as part of a potential swap deal involving Daniel Agger going in the opposite direction.

Back down in London, Chelsea are listening out for movement on Athletic Bilbao’s next move for retaining star striker Fernando Llorente, 27, who has turned down a new contract.

Llorente has a proven goal scoring record and would serve as suitable cover for Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge.

Across the river Tottenham are preparing for life without Luca Modric, who looks set to pick up a Spanish phrasebook and leave for Madrid permanently, the clubs are close to agreeing a fee of £35m.

Spurs will look to spend a small portion of the return on 24-year-old Partizan Belgrade midfielder Mohamed Kamara.

Aston Villa are looking at options for bolstering there defence with Italian defender Simone Farina at the top of their shopping list. The 30-year-old has impressed new Villa manager Paul Lambert while playing for Serie B side Gubbio.

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