Sir Alex Ferguson: 'We're interested in Robin van Persie'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the club is interested in buying Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutch international has been linked with a number of teams following his announcement that he would not be signing a new contract with the Gunners.

Doubts over his future increased on Friday when it was revealed that he would not be joining Arsenal on their pre-season tour of Asia.

"Obviously Arsenal have given out the fact that we've made a bid for him," Ferguson told MUTV.

"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."

Premier League champions Manchester City and Juventus are also believed to be keeping tabs on Van Persie.