United aim to snatch Alexis Sanchez from City

Manchester United are aiming to hijack Manchester City's move for Alexis Sanchez by offering the Chilean a £25 million signing-on fee, the Sun reported.

The Arsenal star was close to joining up again with Pep Guardiola this summer in a £60 million deal, but the Gunners held firm after failing to grab a replacement.

Once 2018 starts, the Red Devils can negotiate a pre-contract with the 28-year-old, whose deal at the Emirates is set to expire at the end of the season.

Reports had suggested that City would be prepared to make a lesser offer in January in order to tempt Arsenal into a sale so the Gunners avoid losing their talisman for nothing six months later.