But the Mirror reports that Italian giants Juventus are now the favourites to sign the highly-rated Dutchman.

Van Persie is keen on a move away from the Premier League this summer.

Juventus are reportedly prepared to pay Van Persie around £180,000-a-week.

A source close to the deal told The Mirror: "The Premier League is not the be all and end all, like it might for an English player.

"Van Persie is Dutch, has a different mindset and other big players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic have had good careers in Italy."