Manchester United Transfer News: Does Moura Snub Make United Favorites for RVP?

Manchester United have reportedly missed out on signing Brazilian teenage sensation Lucas Moura, and Sao Paulo are rumored to be unable to agree on a transfer fee for the 19-year-old.

Sao Paulo want around £30 million for Moura whilst United are believed to have reached their limit in terms of what they can offer, as the Brazilian club seems desperate to keep their star player and to not accept a reduced transfer fee, according to The Daily Mirror.

The player's agent has stated that the Red Devils cannot up their offer for Moura and that as a result, they will not land the talented teenager, according to www.uol.com.br (via Eurosport UK).

With Moura seemingly out of the equation as the top transfer target for Manchester United, where then will the club turn their attention? Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The Red Devils are believed to be in a three-horse race with Manchester City and Juventus for the wantaway striker, with Arsenal believed to want around £30 million in order to part with the striker—money that Manchester United could indeed offer the London club now that any deal with Moura is off the table.

With Manchester City still biding their time to launch a serious bid for Van Persie—much to the frustration of manager Roberto Mancini—and Juventus unable to offer substantial for the striker, given their current financial predicament, it is not unreasonable to suggest that United could become the favorites to land the striker.

They have the money at their disposable and, for £25-30 million, could make a serious offer to the Dutch international that forces Arsenal into making a decision.

At the moment. the Gunners will continue to hold their cards close to their chest and know that they have the bargaining tool on their side. If no significant offers come, they will hang on to Van Persie and try their luck at persuading him to stay over the upcoming English Premier League season.

However, should United put forward a £25-30 million bid with the money they were going to use to try and sign Lucas Moura, they may well end up picking up the star striker before the upcoming season begins.

That would put the Red Devils in a formidable position, with Wayne Rooney and Van Persie spearheading their attack, and would go a long way to ease the pain of missing out on the Brazilian teenage sensation.

Moura's snub of Manchester United could, in fact, turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils—it could well bring Robin van Persie to Old Trafford.

I'd take that over Moura any day of the week.

Are Manchester United more likely to sign Lucas Moura or Robin van Persie?

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