BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson claims Robin van Persie wants out of Manchester United

BBC FOOTBALL pundit Mark Lawrenson has claimed striker Robin van Persie has told Manchester United he wants OUT.

RUMOUR HAS IT: Could Van Persie ask for a transfer?

Former Liverpool star Lawro told an Irish radio station: “There are all sorts of rumours coming out of the training ground at the moment.

“One or two of the press boys that I know that cover Manchester United are even saying that the big whisper is Van Persie might have asked for a transfer on Tuesday.”

Van Persie famously made a £22million switch from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and played a pivotal role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final title triumph, scoring 26 top-flight goals.

This season, though, has been difficult for United and Van Persie, who has netted seven goals.

United chief David Moyes last night called the story “total nonsense”.