Manchester United are close to signing Sanchez from Arsenal, despite missing the Premier League deadline to register him in time for their game against Burnley tomorrow.

Express Sport understands the Chile international is set to move to Old Trafford as the highest-paid player in the Red Devils’ history.

The last week has been full of twists and turns with Manchester City, as recently as last weekend, appearing in pole position to sign the player.

Many have been stunned at Manchester United’s willingness to pay Sanchez so much, with wages of £500,000 a week being reported.

But Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Real Madrid were used by the Arsenal star during negotiations with United.

The Red Devils have been locked in talks with the Gunners for the past seven days.

United’s path to Sanchez has been relatively clear ever since City made it clear they would not be bringing the forward to the Etihad Stadium.

Don Balon say, however, that the player’s camp has fed different information to United.

Sanchez himself supposedly used interest from Los Blancos to get a higher pay-packet at Old Trafford.

But the reality is Florentino Perez’s side were never interested in snapping him up.

Meanwhile, speaking today, United boss Jose Mourinho admitted he was confident of signing Sanchez.

"There is no point in trying to hide or deny, but it is not done at all," said Mourinho.

"I think clearly everybody knows that we are there and especially when Arsenal manager speaks so clearly like he did."