Robin van Persie to Lekhwiya: Manchester United striker linked with switch to join Michael Laudrup in Qatar

United forward is likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer

Robin van Persie will no longer take penalties for United (AFP) (AFP)

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has emerged as a surprise target for Michael Laudrup and Qatari side Lekhwiya.

The Dutchman is reportedly evaluating his options at Old Trafford after falling out of favour in Louis van Gaal's side. The Red Devils boss refused to confirm what role Van Persie had in his future plans - only that he would hold talks with players privately next week.

According to reports, the former Ajax and Bayern Munich boss wants to add at least two new strikers as 31-year-old Van Persie increasingly becomes more of a peripheral figure.

Lekhwiya are likely to face stiff competition from Serie A giants Roma while Fenerbahce also remain interested in luring Van Persie away from Old Trafford.

Michael Laudrup at his unveiling as Lekhwiya manager (Getty Images)

Laudrup is hoping to take his side to the next level and, whether it be the United forward or Swansea hitman Michu, he is desperate to land a new goal-scorer.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal is considering meeting Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi's £36m release clause after the Mats Hummels deal stalled.

According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has been in bullish mood in recent weeks and now believes the German club will be able to keep their World Cup winning centre-back.

The 27-year-old Valencia defender is the highest scoring centre-back in La Liga this season with six goals and is represented by Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese agent who helped bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford.