Duo look to pip City for Dutch ace

Manchester United and Juventus are both seemingly stepping up their bid to sign Manchester City's top target Robin van Persie.

A Daily Mirror report claims United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of winning the race to sign the prolific 28-year-old Dutch international striker, who looks set to leave the Gunners after he revealed that he would not be signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium beyond next summer.
Ferguson is desperate to get Van Persie on board to form a lethal partnership with Wayne Rooney given that the two players scored 30 and 27 goals respectively last season.
Italian champions Juventus have also upped the ante in their bid to sign Van Persie with general director Giuseppe Marotta claiming they know what is required to realise the 'dream' of securing the player's services.
"Van Persie is a fans' dream," Marotta said.
"Everyone has dreams but then you have to confront this with the reality.
"We know what we have to do, and that is the important thing."
Despite the speculation and claims from their rivals City boss Roberto Mancini will be aware that they possess the finances to out bid most clubs for Van Persie's signature.
And, as they will go into the new season as reigning champions, the Italian tactician will no doubt hope that is a big enough lure for their key target, while they also pipped United in the race to sign Samir Nasri from Arsenal 12 months ago.