Manchester United are set to try and hijack Manchester City's move for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.
The 29-year-old is keen on a move to Etihad Stadium and a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola, who he worked under at Barcelona.
The Gunners are holding out for a figure close to £40million but City are confident they will sell for much less.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger denied his decision to omit Sanchez from the starting line-up had anything to do with speculation over the player's future and maintains there has been no contact with City.
However, it is understood the two clubs are discussing figures with United also closely monitoring the situation.
"I want him to stay longer," said Wenger following the EFL Cup draw with Chelsea.
"I have no problem if he signs with us now or in June.
"You have to accept as well when you play so many games, and Sanchez plays every game, that sometimes a breather in the middle of the season helps them a little bit."
It has been suggested City have made an opening offer in the region of £20m with United prepared to come in at a higher figure, while reports suggest that the Red Devils are also open to offering Henrik Mkhitaryan as a makeweight in any deal.
Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich have expressed an interest and can negotiate directly with Sanchez's representatives to sign a pre-contract agreement for next season as he has entered the final six months of his current deal - this has put City and United under added pressure to agree a fee with Arsenal to seal a transfer this month.
