RVP heads PFA award shortlist

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie headed the list of nominees for the 2011-12 Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Players' Player of the Year award announced on Monday. The Dutchman, who has scored 27 league goals this season, is joined on the shortlist by the Manchester City trio of goalkeeper Joe Hart, midfielder David Silva and striker Sergio Aguero. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker and England striker Wayne Rooney of league leaders Manchester United complete the line-up. Aguero was also named on the shortlist for the young players' equivalent prize, alongside Spurs pair Kyle Walker and Gareth Bale, Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge and United's Danny Welbeck. The winner will be announced at the PFA's annual awards ceremony on Sunday evening. Bale won last season's senior award, while Rooney received the prize in 2010.