Manchester United have improved their offer for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

The Daily Express says United have upped their bid for Zaha to £17million in an attempt to beat Arsenal in the chase for the Crystal Palace winger.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had a number of offers rejected for Zaha, whom he met for the first time on Sunday while United were in London for their Premier League game at Tottenham.

But United hope their latest bid, which it is understood would involve a down payment of £12m with add-ons taking the package to £17m, will clinch the deal and see off competition from Arsene Wenger.

United are prepared to loan Zaha, 20, back to Championship club Palace for the rest of the season.