Samir Nasri wants Man Utd move as Red Devils tipped to complete deal

Manchester United are believed to be confident of signing Samir Nasri in a £20million deal as bookmakers make the Arsenal midfielder odds-on to move to Old Trafford.

Reports on Thursday night had suggested that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had made an enquiry for the 24-year-old, but that a firm bid had not been lodged with the Gunners (see below).

But according to the Daily Star, Ferguson has made an offer for Nasri, who is also a target for Manchester City.

Nasri, who is scheduled to fly out of London with his Arsenal team-mates on Sunday for a nine-day pre-season tour of the Far East, has been offered a new long-term deal worth around £90,000-a-week.

But he is yet to agree to stay at the Emirates and according to reports, he could be willing to sit out the final year of his contract should he not get his move to Old Trafford, and move there on a free transfer in twelve months time.

That is something manager Arsene Wenger is looking to avoid and earlier this year he told both Nasri and Gael Clichy - prior to the latter's £7m move to Manchester City - that both would be sold this summer if a new deal was not agreed.

Three years ago, Wenger saw Mathieu Flamini allowed to run down his contract before joining AC Milan on a free transfer and the Gunners boss has been keen not to allow the same thing to happen again.

According to Friday's report, Ferguson is confident of landing Nasri and is hoping to agree a fee with Arsenal before the weekend so that the player does not have to travel out to Asia.

The latest developments saw United slashed with bookmakers early on Friday morning to be Nasri's club on the opening day of the new Premier League season, with the Premier League champions now odds-on favourites ahead of Man City to wrap up a deal.

Chelsea have also shown interest in the France international.