Manchester United 'considerable favourites' to sign Alexis Sanchez after being dropped by Arsenal ahead of move

United are willing to pay Sanchez as much as £400,000-a-week, but Manchester City are holding out on the hope that he will join Pep Guardiola's side in the summer

Manchester United are newly confident of beating Manchester City to the signing of Alexis Sanchez, as the Chilean was dropped from the Arsenal squad for their trip to Bournemouth amid expectations that Arsene Wenger will sanction a sale in the next 48 hours.

Those close to the deal even believe that United are now “considerable favourites”.

While City have not yet walked away from the deal, they have so far made it clear they will not meet the £35m asking price for the player, or pay high agent fees of up to £10m.

United are willing to do so, and pay Sanchez up to £400,000-a-week, and have also played on this and the knowledge that the player is so desperate to move as soon as possible.

City by contrast are insisting on a patient and resilient stance to strike what they see as a fair deal for a 29-year-old, and are prepared to walk away.

It is understood that United have upped the pressure over the 24 hours, as they also feel City won’t up their deal. The Etihad hierarchy want to keep their current wage structure, that involves a slightly lower basic wage but higher bonuses. Sanchez's camp, however, would want that higher basic wage quoted. There is also a feeling by some at Old Trafford that Arsenal would prefer to sell to them.

Since Wenger is now so willing to let the player go – and it is understood Arsenal also have a replacement lined in Bordeaux’s Malcolm – that indicates that there is still an element of prevarication with the player.