MANCHESTER UNITED will launch a deadline-busting bid to sign Arjen Robben from Real Madrid. (The Sun)United have been quoted �26million but the Red Devils plan to force the price down this weekend.

MANCHESTER UNITED will launch a deadline-busting bid to sign Arjen Robben from Real Madrid. (The Sun)

United have been quoted �26million but the Red Devils plan to force the price down this weekend.

Old Trafford chiefs will begin the process with a bid of around �11m - but an offer of �15m may be enough to bag the winger.

Robben, 26, is seen as the creative spark which can help fill the void left by �80m Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Dutchman has been in sparkling form for Real in pre-season.

But he is unlikely to get a look-in at the Bernabeu.

Robben came close to signing for Alex Ferguson's men from PSV Eindhoven in 2004 when he visited United's training ground.

But he opted for a �12m move to Chelsea.

The Blues doubled their money by flogging him to Madrid in 2007.