United are aiming to hijack City’s bid for Gunners’ French defender Sagna

MANCHESTER United are poised to go head-to-head with Manchester City for Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna.

The Mail on Sunday understands that overtures from Old Trafford have been made to the player’s representatives over the last 48 hours. Sagna, however, will hold formal talks with City next week with a view to signing a four-year deal worth a minimum of £100,000 per week

They are well advanced in their interest in the France international — but United are also now set to step in in a bid to pip their rivals to his signing.

Incoming United manager Louis van Gaal, whose official appointment is likely to be announced either tomorrow or Tuesday, has identified Sagna as the man he wants to contest the right-back slot with Rafael.