Manchester United open talks with Nasri as Young deal nears completion

Sitting pretty: United target Samir Nasri watches his France team-mates train in Poland this week

Manchester United have opened tentative discussions over an audacious bid for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri as they moved to the verge of clinching a £20million deal for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

It is understood that England forward Young was on the verge of signing a five-year deal at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

But it is news of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's hardening interest in France star Nasri that will astonish fans of both clubs as the Barclays Premier League champions look to become even stronger ahead of next season.

The talks were held in Manchester between intermediaries of United and Nasri and it is understood the player's agent Jean Pierre Bernes was not present.

With United still looking to sign Luka Modric from Tottenham or Inter's Wesley Sneijder, their interest in Nasri remains exploratory.

However, United have been made aware that Nasri is definitely interested in a switch to Old Trafford. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said last week that there was no way Nasri would be allowed to leave for United.

Nasri has only 12 months left on his current deal but talks over fresh terms have stalled because of his wage demands.

Wenger is poised to beat Manchester City in the battle to sign Bolton's Gary Cahill after agreeing to match the 25-year-old defender's £17m release clause.

Big-money move: Ashley Young is set to put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford

The Arsenal manager is anxious to strengthen his defence after missing out on Phil Jones this week despite matching the £16.5m fee paid by United for the Blackburn teenager.

Wenger is also close to concluding a £10m deal for Gervinho from Lille, an Ivorian who followed Emmanuel Eboue and Yaya Toure into European football via Beveren, the Belgian club that once had a formal relationship with the Gunners. 

Newcastle have agreed a £10m fee with Lille but the 24-year-old striker, who has only one year left on his contract with the French champions, has set his heart on moving to the Emirates Stadium.

Heading for North London: Arsenal look set to win the race for Bolton defender Gary Cahill (centre)