Van Persie, Aguero lead Player of the Year shortlist

Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Sergio Aguero have all been nominated by their fellow professionals for the PFA Player of the Year award.

Manchester City striker Aguero has been nominated for both the Player of the Year and the Young Player award, to cap an excellent debut season in the English Premier League.

The Argentine international arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Spanish club Atletico Madrid at the start of the season, and has netted 21 goals as City pressed for the Premier League title.

Aguero’s City team-mates, goalkeeper Joe Hart and Spanish playmaker David Silva have also been nominated.

However, the favourite for the award will unquestionably be the prolific Arsenal striker van Persie, the Gunners skipper having netted 27 goals, whilst also popping up with 12 assists for his team-mates.

Manchester United’s 24-goal forward Wayne Rooney, who has been at the forefront of their excellent league performances this season which have them five points clear at the top of the table, is also in with a shout, whilst Tottenham’s combative midfielder Scott Parker rounds off the shortlist.

The young player’s list consists of Aguero and five of the brightest young British talents currently plying their trade in the top-flight, four of whom will be optimistic of taking their place at Euro 2012 with England.

Tottenham’s Welsh flyer Gareth Bale, winner of the Player of the Year award last season, finds himself on the junior list, alongside his fellow Spurs speedster Kyle Walker, Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck and the highly-rated Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.