MANCHESTER United are refusing to give up hope of signing Alex Chamberlain, despite the teenager appearing close to a move to Arsenal.

The Daily Echo understands the Gunners remain in pole position for the 17-year-old, but the Premier League leaders have now been in touch with Saints to ask about the talented winger.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have personally phoned the club and Chamber-lain’s dad, former England winger Mark, could even visit United this week to discuss a possible switch to Old Trafford.

United moved after Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed he wanted to strike a deal for the £10m rated player during the January transfer window.

However, the lure of United can never be underestimated, and if they were to offer a loan-back deal, that would certainly be more attractive to Saints.

Wenger is understood not to be keen on loaning Chamberlain back to St Mary’s for the rest of the season, if a transfer can be sorted this month.

However, Ferguson does not have such reservations.

United, who face Saints in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, have history of allowing loan-back deals. Last January, they returned defender Chris Smalling to Fulham for the rest of the season after signing him for £12m.

Any scenario where Chamberlain is still playing for Saints next month would be of great benefit to the club’s promotion push.

So United – and Ferguson in particular – are certainly not giving up on the exciting prospect.

But whether the Old Trafford boss can prise Chamberlain away from Arsenal’s grip at this late stage remains to be seen.

When it was put to Wenger after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wigan that Chamberlain had agreed to choose Arsenal ahead of other interest, the Frenchman replied: “I think, if that is right, that is a very good decision.”

Even Chamberlain’s dad has publicly stated the Gunners would be “the ideal choice” for his son’s development.

Wenger’s decision to speak openly about the player is a clear sign that he is confident about Arsenal winning the race for his signature.

And Mark Chamberlain’s comments this week were equally as telling.

Ferguson knows about being beaten on the line to a big signing – he still harbours some regret about missing out on former Saints wonderkid Gareth Bale.

The United boss tried to sign the left-sided star in 2007 but would not get into a bidding war with Spurs.

Ferguson said the club had made “a good offer” to Saints for Bale but Tottenham bettered that and won the day.