Van Persie close to signing with Fenerbahce

Soccer;-Robin-van-Persie;-Manchester-United

van Persie joined Manchester United in 2012. (Jon Super/AP)

ISTANBUL — Fenerbahce is in talks to sign Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, the Turkish club said Thursday.

The Netherlands international joined United three years ago in a surprise move from Arsenal for 24 million pounds (then $38 million) and had a season remaining on his contract.

The 31-year-old Van Persie was prolific in his first season at Old Trafford, netting 30 goals as United regained the Premier League trophy from Manchester City before Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

But Van Persie has been blighted by injury problems since then, with only 10 goals in 29 appearances last season when compatriot Louis van Gaal was in charge.

Now it appears United is ready to cash in on Van Persie.

"Fenerbahce has begun … transfer talks with Robin Van Persie and his club Manchester United," the 19-time Turkish champions club said on Twitter.

United had no immediate comment.

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