Manchester United transfer news: United reportedly join battle to sign Bacary Sagna from Arsenal

French right back now the subject of attention from both Manchester clubs

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United are keen to sign Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna according to reports.

It is believed that United have been in touch with representatives of the French defender in the last 48 hours, as they look to bring him to Old Trafford.

Sagna, whose Arsenal contract is set to expire shortly, has already been linked with a four-year, £100,000-per-week deal at Manchester City, but it is now understood that he has attracted the interest of United as well.

Despite City reportedly being advanced in their attempts to sign Sagna, United hope that they can pip their local rivals to his signature, with expected United boss Louis Van Gaal reportedly keen for the Frenchman to contest the right back slot with Rafael.

Were the Dutchman to make his first signing a player pinched from Man City, it would certainly be a way to instantly ingratiate himself with the club's supporters.

However City remain favourites to secure the signature of the defender, although with Sagna facing competition from Pablo Zabaleta for the right back berth, the reported interest from United, where he might expect to get more playing time, may cause the Frenchman to rethink his position.