Five potential continental clubs for Red Devil Robin van Persie

Premier League poacher Robin van Persie was expected to thrive under compatriot Louis van Gaal after the Dutch coach took over at Manchester United, with the pair having previously pulled together for Clockwork Orange’s World Cup campaign.

However, the Netherlands hitman has struggled for form, with just 10 strikes this season, and is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

The Red Devils (6/1 with Coral to finish outside the top four) are no longer reliant on the ex-Arsenal star, and are reportedly ready to offload him this summer before the 31-year-old’s contract expires next term.

Here, Coral writers contemplate continental destinations where the Man Utd marksman could move next.

Feyenoord
Van Persie is believed to favour ending his career in the Netherlands, and could return to his homeland after spending 11 seasons in England.

Whether any Eredivisie side could afford prolific Van Persie’s pricetag or wages is doubtful, but the frontman’s father Bob told media that once his Old Trafford deal ends, Van Persie will “go back to Excelsior. Money will never be an issue.”

The sharpshooter may still be a few seasons away from returning to his boyhood club, but could still join a title challenging side such as Ajax, PSV or former club Feyenoord, with whom he shared a tumultuous time.

Revisiting Feyenoord may be the best pick, however, as the third-placed Rotterdam team need a blockbuster boost to compete with their rivals.

Galatasaray
Turkish giants Gala are always in the hunt for big-name transfers, and Van Persie could emerge as a target to join Clockwork Orange teammate Wesley Sneijder at the Super Lig side.

The likes of Fenerbahce and Besiktas may also be options, and the Turkish trio could all likely offer handsome wages, bustling stadiums, fierce rivalries and European competition.

Many a Premier League star, including ex-Chelsea and Newcastle United striker Demba Ba, have switched to the Super Lig to reignite their careers while remaining in contention for international call-ups.

Inter Milan
Inter are already said to be interested in the dangerous Dutchman, and Van Persie’s talents mean he could enjoy a superb swansong in Serie A. Not reliant on pace, the striker’s tremendous technique and eye for goal would see him adapt well to Italy.

Former Old Trafford clubmate Nemaja Vidic is already at the San Siro and, with Argentine star Mauro Icardi mooted for a summer move, there should be plenty of space up top for a centre forward of Van Persie’s experience and ability.

Juventus
The Old Lady have a recent history of plundering the red half of Manchester, with Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba two high profile steals.

Serie A leaders and Champions League chances, Juve could offer Van Persie the opportunity to keep playing at the highest level. With doubts over the futures of forwards Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, the Turin team may be looking for extra attacking recruits of the flying Dutchman’s ilk.

PSG
According to reports Man Utd are interested in poaching PSG centre forward Edinson Cavani and could attempt to capture the Uruguay international in summer.

The Parisians already boast superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front and, as Cavani has struggled playing second fiddle to the Sweden striker, could be prepared to put the South American up for sale.

United (50/1 rank outsider shouts to lift the Premier League title) then, could sweeten any potential deal by offering a ready-made replacement in Van Persie, who may well enjoy an Indian summer in the City of Lights. The thought of pairing Van Persie with outspoken Ibrahimovic is surely a superb one.