Sneijder Will Take Pay Cut to Join United

Did you think the Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United saga had ended? Sorry to disappoint, but it hasn't, because according to an "Exclusive" story from the Sun, the 27 year-old Dutchman is willing and ready to take a pay cut in order to join United.

It is yet another twist in the seemingly endless route on the way to the conclusion of this painfully long and drawn out transfer story, but perhaps this latest news will, at last bring us closer to an end.

A few weeks ago, Sneijder was said to be upset, or even "distraught" that a move to Manchester United had not materialized, with the Old Trafford side not offering him the obscene wage sum of £200,000 per week, as he has demanded.

He expected the English Champions to come back and offer his desired terms. They didn't. Now he has apparently gone to them, and made a far more reasonable offer. He has told them that he will take a pay cut of £60,000 per week in order to force a move to Manchester United.

United had agreed a fee with Inter Milan a few weeks ago for the player, of £35 million, but Sneijder's pay was the only stumbling block. With his wage demands significantly reduced, there is one less stumbling block to scupper the move any further. However, there is one obstacle which remains. One formed, not from fact, not from rumour, nor from inside information, but simply from opinion.

It seems wholly unrealistic. A world footballing star, I presume with a rather large ego, has basically gone running to the United executives and begged them to offer him a wage cut? I'd like it to be true, but considering how long this story has run, I find it hard to believe it.

If my pessimistic view on the latest diversion in the story does turn out to be correct, a number of United fans will not be rocking back and forth covered in sweat, riddled with worry. Some have, in the absence of any new material in the past few weeks on the story, got used to the idea of not seeing Sneijder pull on a United shirt. It will be a welcome surprise is it were to happen, but with young talents coming through, it won't be the end of the world.

Some can't wait for the whole story to be over, so they can get on with watching Manchester United play their football, perhaps with a new signing, perhaps not, while others will be delighted to hear more from the Sneijder saga. With or without Sneijder, Manchester United have a very talented squad, and if, in the first few months things don't go as planned without him, there's always January.

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Tevez Withdraws his Transfer Request

The latest twist in the Tevez transfer tale is that the former Manchester United striker has withdrawn his request to leave City. A Manchester City statement read:

"Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the Club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’ contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the Football Club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."   

So what has changed the Argentinians mind? Probably nothing at all. Earlier in the month he was absolutely certain he wanted to leave the club because he had fallen out with certain members of the club, and that there was no way he would re think his decision - thus handing in a transfer request. Clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea were reportedly ready to swoop for the uncommitted player who was also apparently thinking of retirement.

Now, just before tonight's game against Everton - at Manchester City's ground, he withdraws his transfer request and praised by his manager:

 "Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable"

He may have changed his mind because he knows that if City want to keep him at the club, they will. They are under no pressure to sell as they don't need the money, and they certainly won't want to sell to a title rival in England. Or is it simply an attempt to avoid a frosty reception from the home crowd tonight aimed at the disloyal former captain? Rooney didn't totally avoid a controversial reception after his contract ordeal at Manchester United and there will be certain members of tonight's crowd that take a disliking to the Tevez situation.