United on brink of landing Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder
MANCHESTER UNITED'S raid for Wesley Sneijder moved a step closer last night, with reports emerging that the Premier League champions had agreed a fee of £33m with Inter Milan for the Dutchman's services.
The player's representatives were understood to be meeting with United to discuss personal terms -- however, with Sneijder's wages believed to be around £190,000 a week, he may have to take a pay cut before any deal is completed.
Sneijder yesterday confirmed his interest in joining United and suggested that his representatives had held informal talks with the club.
Asked if he would like to move to Old Trafford in a video interview on a Dutch website, Sneijder said: "Yes, but Manchester United have not made an official approach yet.
"There have been unofficial talks, there have been contacts, but I have contacts with everybody."
The Dutchman has emerged as manager Alex Ferguson's preferred midfield reinforcement, though the Scot is believed to have been sufficiently impressed with his young players in pre-season to consider looking for Paul Scholes' replacement within Old Trafford's ranks.
Sneijder is not ruling out remaining at Inter Milan, though both the player and his club have been clear that an offer of £35m would be too good to turn down.
"I am now an Inter player and chances are that I will still be that come August 31," said Sneijder.
Danny Welbeck, meanwhile, is believed to have requested around £60,000 a week at United, a substantial pay rise, after establishing himself as a full international. The striker has been promised more first-team football this year by Ferguson.
- Jamie Holland
Irish Independent
