Sanchez has been expected to quit Arsenal during the current transfer window for some time after refusing to sign a new contract at the Emirates.

And he seems on course to link up with Jose Mourinho at United after previous favourites Manchester City dropped out of the race to bag him.

Chelsea are plotting a late hijack as Antonio Conte attempts to bolster his squad as they continue to compete on four fronts.

Neville has now offered his take on why Sanchez represents a bargain in the current market.

"On the Sanchez deal ‘people’ should know that the wages are not important," he wrote on Twitter. 

"It’s the cost of the overall package. All clubs will depreciate a player over the course of his contract against the total of fee and wage. 

"The fee is low relatively so it works out a good deal."

Neville then admitted he wouldn’t mind if Chelsea beat United to Sanchez’s signature.

"That wouldn’t worry me as a United fan either," he said. "I’m easy on this deal. 

"However what we mustn’t believe is that either Chelsea or United are overpaying here. There are no cheap Bosmans anymore. The best players plus agent will take the fee that the club would receive!"

Neville also questioned why City have ended their interest in Sanchez.

"£60m fee last summer from City and £290k a week over 4 years = circa £120m," he added. "Depreciate £30m a year.

"Now to United/Chelsea £35m fee £5m to agent plus £350k wages 3.5 years = circa £105m. Depreciate £30m a year.

"Why is it too expensive now for City when it wasn’t 5 months ago?"

Neville then responded to a series of supporters’ queries on his stance.

One fan said: "Maybe they just don't like being mugged off when there's a gentleman's agreement on a deal!?"

And Neville responded: "That’s fine but that’s emotion… City have always been aggressive and good in matching and competing for players…"

Another fan said: "I don’t think the fee is the problem it’s the wages for City how can Pep pay him £350k surely [Sergio] Aguero, [Kevin] De Bruyne, [David] Silva and maybe others would expect more money which means over 3 years it would be more."

And Neville replied: "You would just shape the deal differently and the other players would understand he’s on a free in the summer and that’s unique. 

"Remember if Alexis has got injured badly 2 weeks ago he wouldn’t get a big deal. It is a risk as well running your contract down."

A third fan said: "I think it unbalances a happy squad at City when not needed. No way did he expect Silva, KDB, [Raheem] Sterling and [Leroy] Sane to have the season they are having. Add B. [Bernardo] Silva to that who hasn't had much chances. [Gabriel] Jesus due back in a couple of weeks. Sanchez needs to play and Pep [Guardiola] will know what."

And Neville fired back: "This argument is so flawed! United have [Paul] Pogba / [Anthony] Martial / [David] De Gea!! Good players understand the uniqueness of a player coming on a Bosman or short period of contract!"

A fourth fan said: "The thing is, we've been heavily criticised in the past for overpaying, now you're criticising for not? I don't get it…?"

And Neville returned with: "If this is City’s new stance and young players can come through then I would applaud. However City were willing to pay £60m 5 months and huge wages for this player. It seems strange they have pulled on this one."