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Robin van Persie is set to join BT Sport as their big-name signing for next season.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has agreed a contract with the broadcaster, who have both Champions League and Premier League rights.

It will be a major coup for BT to get one of the best strikers of the Premier League era, who has a reputation for being outspoken and having valuable insight.

BT have an outstanding cast list of pundits including Rio Ferdinand, Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves, but some of them also work for other stations. Van Persie is a household name who will give them a strong identity for their excellent coverage.

(Image: VI Images/PA)

(Image: Rex)

The 35-year-old, who has just retired as a player after a second spell at hometown club Feyenoord, once admitted he confronted Mirror columnist Robbie Savage because he did not like criticism of how he was performing in his second season at United.

“My kids go to the same school as Robbie Savage, a great lad,” Van Persie said at the time. “I once asked him why he was so harsh in his judgments. He told me it had to do with the competition in the media landscape, between television stations.”

No wonder Sav's column is unmissable on MirrorFootball.

* LIVERPOOL and Chelsea have until Friday to decide how many tickets they want for the European Super Cup in Istanbul next month.

(Image: Reuters)

After the controversy about a lack of tickets for the competing clubs when the Reds faced Tottenham in June's Champions League Final in Madrid, UEFA are confident they will be able to satisfy both clubs and their demands for the August 14 fixture.

European champions Liverpool are certain to take as many as possible, but it remains to be seen how many Europa League winners Chelsea request.

GERRARD OPENS DOOR TO 'DOING A LAMPARD'

Steven Gerrard has been busy in the transfer market this summer — and is also proving his long-term commitment to Rangers.

Several of the new signings have asked about his personal plans after an impressive first season as a manager. Former England captain Gerrard has told them all the same thing: The only club he would leave the Scottish giants for is Liverpool.

(Image: Getty)

That possibility would seem some distance off just yet, with Jurgen Klopp happily in charge, but shows Anfield great Gerrard could one day emulate what Frank Lampard has done by returning to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, do not expect it to happen for a moment, but Barcelona made enquiries about whether Virgil van Dijk could be tempted to leave Liverpool - and were quickly given short shrift by the Dutch defender’s representatives. They did not bother taking it further.

HAMMERS NAIL THEIR LATEST KIT LAUNCH

West Ham deserve huge credit and are reaping rewards for their brilliant, back-to-the-future new kit.

The Hammers had an input into the design of the classic Umbro strip, which appeals to older fans as they look to reconnect with supporters after their 2016 stadium move.

They have reported a record-breaking first day pre-order - an 88% increase in the pre-order period, and 127% increase in opening day sales - and it will become the best-selling kits in history of the club.

Well done, West Ham.

Brilliant to see a club listen and try to learn lessons.

* WORD reaches this column that Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has got his heart set on Leicester this summer and would be devastated if it doesn’t happen.

New boss Brendan Rodgers is doing great things at the King Power and has Dunk lined up if the Foxes do sell Harry Maguire .