We have bid for RVP - Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United have made a bid to sign wantaway Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Reports over the past few days had revealed that United, Manchester City and Italian champions Juventus had all made offers for the Dutch international, who is poised to leave the Emirates Stadium after refusing to sign a new contract extension beyond summer 2013. It is believed that none of the three clubs have matched Arsenal's £30million valuation of Van Persie, who will be available on a Bosman free transfer in 12 months' time. But Ferguson is the first manager from one of the interested clubs to confirm that money has been put down on the table for the player who scored 36 goals for the Gunners in all competitions last season. Speaking to MUTV on the eve of a pre-season encounter with Ajax Cape Town in South Africa on Saturday, he said: "Obviously Arsenal have given out the fact that we've made a bid for him. "We try to keep business as close as possible to us until the moment we conclude a deal. There's no point talking about something that might not happen. "There are other clubs interested in the player. We've shown an interest and that's where we're at at the moment." Ferguson added: "We try and do business before we announce anything. "That is what we are going to do. There is nothing more to add."