MANCHESTER — Wesley Sneijder paved the way for a move to Manchester United when he admitted he has spoken to the Premier League football champions about a move to Old Trafford.
United have so far been frustrated by Sneijder’s wage demands as they look to add the highly-rated midfielder to their squad ahead of the new season. The 27-year-old is asking for more than £200 000 a week, a figure the champions are unwilling to match. But it is understood that Sneijder is so desperate to leave Inter Milan that United’s rivals Chelsea and Manchester City have this week been encouraged to bid for him.
And the Dutch international has broken cover and admitted he is ready to move to England.
Sneijder said: “Manchester United haven’t made an official approach yet.
“But there have been unofficial talks, there have been contacts. But then there are always contacts. “The situation is that I am now an Inter player, and chances are that I will still be that come August 31. There is also a chance I could leave.
“That isn’t really down to me, but the club. I think Inter have been very clear: If a good offer comes in, they have to let me go.
“They don’t want to lose me, but there is a chance they will let me go.
“If something crosses my path, I have enough time to make my decision.”
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It is understood that Chelsea and City have both been alerted this week to just how keen Sneijder is to leave Inter.
Sneijder has convinced himself Inter have no chance of closing the gap on rivals AC Milan in Serie A this season after their neighbours won the Italian league by six points last time round. With Inter currently unable to buy new players before they sell, their star asset has decided he has had enough.
Chelsea and City have told go-betweens that they will not sign Sneijder. One source at mega-rich City revealed last night that the combined cost of the transfer would be “mind-blowing”, such are Sneijder’s personal demands.
