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Robin van Persie is being driven out of Manchester United and sold behind his back.

That is the astonishing claim of Pierre van Hooijdonk, a former Feyenoord and Holland team-mate of the United striker.

United are willing to listen to offers for Van Persie this summer, with the 31-year-old forward out of contract next summer - when he can leave for nothing.

Turkish side Fenerbahce are keen to sign Van Persie, and Van Hooijdonk claimed United have been working to offload his fellow Dutchman since the turn of the year.

“As early as January of this year, I received information from Turkey about Robin and Fenerbahce,” said Van Hooijdonk. “The minute this information came, you knew that United had sent people to test the water for a move.

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“Agents and others were searching for big clubs who are prepared to pay the high fee involved for van Persie. Robin’s contract expires next year, so this is the moment when United can still get money for him.”

Van Hooijdonk added: “Van Persie is in a difficult situation. To the outside world he says he is happy to stay and I can understand this. But Robin has the feeling that United want to get rid of him.

“A big club in England, Spain or Germany is a more attractive option. Until the player realises that behind his back the two clubs have done a big deal.

“That is the moment the pressure is put on. You are almost forced to go to the club where your employer has struck a deal. This is what I mean with games being played right now.”

Van Hooijdonk knows that one of his old clubs, Fenerbahce, are keen to land van Persie.

“Of course the money is good, life is good in Istanbul, but it is not a big football league in Europe we are talking about,” said Van Hooijdonk.

“There is a lot at stake right now for Robin. He could be heading for his last Euro tournament in France next summer. So he needs to play a lot in the 10 months before the Euros.”

Van Hooijdonk, writing in his first-person column in Voetbal International, added: “I have a feeling that his relationship with Louis van Gaal is not as good as it was when they were both having cosy chats looking at players in the stands in Holland.

“I would advise Robin to leave United this summer. All the signals are there that the club wants to sell him. So he has to get out on time.”

Meanwhile, United are hopeful of reaching agreement with Southampton over a fee for Morgan Schneiderlin in the coming days.

The France World Cup midfielder is being offered a four-year deal to end his seven-year spell at St Mary’s.