Gill: No Sneijder, But Man United Are Ready

Manchester United's chief executive David Gill and Wesley Sneijder were in the same room today, as they listened to their fate, but unfortunately, it was the fate of the clubs they were representing at the Champions League group stage draw rather than round a negotiation table.

Once the draw had finished, there were whispers that perhaps Gill, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sneijder would meet up and begin those negotiations. Instead, Gill met up with SkySports to announce that any new signings would be unlikely, and following in Sir Alex Ferguson's view, United are comfortable with the young squad at their disposal.

Gill did confirm that Manchester United had looked at various players, but in an indication that no deal with any of the clubs targets including Wesley Sneijder was close, continued to emphasise the belief United have in their current crop of players. When asked whether United plan to bring in any new faces, Gill said:

"I don't think so. We've looked at various players but we're very comfortable with our squad. We've made some great additions in the summer and we've got a young, vibrant squad." 

"We look forward to a great season now as, I'm sure, will a lot of other clubs. A lot have strengthened, in England in particular, but we feel we're well equipped for the months ahead.

"We'll progress now and I'm sure Alex will get the best out of the players over the season."

It seems Manchester United fans hopeful that Sneijder or a similarly intelligent midfielder were to come in and grace Old Trafford will have to come to terms with the fact that the current squad is likely to be the one which fights United's on-field battles this season.

Many already have, and after a couple of impressive displays from the young players are happy that a new signing who may perhaps halt the progress of some younger players by walking straight into the United side is now off the cards.

However, there are still several days left in the summer transfer window for negotiations to be completed and fine details to fall into place. If Sneijder does agree to lower his wage demands, who knows - perhaps United will make another move just before the deadline - it is, after all Manchester United, where everything seems to be steeped in drama and excitement.

One final big signing would be a pleasant and welcome surprise to United fans, and if it doesn't work out now, there's always January.

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So, What Does Sneijder Actually Want?

All he has to do, is say; "I, Wesley Sneijder, 27 year-old footballing Dutchman, can categorically deny that I will be leaving Inter Milan this summer." Perhaps then, this epic adventure through newspapers, gossip sites, Twitter feeds and professional bullsh*tters' "inside info", which has taken Manchester United fans from optimism to pessimism and back, but led nowhere really very productive, can end once and for all.

It seems so simple, yet the tangled, messy web which all of the rumours mixed with a touch of fact as well as misinterpreted quotes, has created, continues to spew out further information with no real substance at all. But dare we disbelieve it? Dare we brush it aside as nonsense? For all we know, the latest rumour that Wesley Sneijder is desperate to leave Inter Milan for Manchester United is absolutely true.

The past few weeks have been far quieter on the Sneijder to United front, but unsurprisingly, this week, more has "emerged." Sneijder has suddenly (and privately) changed his tune on a possible transfer away from Italy. Rather than see out the summer as an Inter player, quietly going about his business, he has (again, privately) stated that he wants a move.

He is "depressed," and "desperate" that his dream transfer to Manchester United has not materialised and feels as if he can do something about it. He has finally come to understand that asking for £200,000 per week in wages is simply not feasible, nor acceptable at a club like United, and has offered to lower his wage demands in order to force through a move.

With me so far? Believe any of it? No worries, there's only a little more to suffer through, as the final piece of the impossible puzzle is something Wesley will have to do in order to leave Inter; hand in a transfer request and force his way out.

As I said yesterday on Twitter, although I don't know Sneijder personally, I cannot see him showing the disrespect and dishonour of handing in a transfer request to a club that have treated him so well and that he loves so much. He loves Inter, he loves their fans and he loves the City, we know all of those things, but a transfer request, which is effectively saying; "thanks for everything, but I don't want to be here any more" would not be something I can see Sneijder doing.

Wayne Rooney did it, and look at the uproar among Manchester United fans it caused. Yes, he stayed, but it took a simply stunning overhead winner against United's fiercest rivals to win back most fans who chant his name loyally, and pay his wages.

It seems as if Wesley Sneijder is happy to stay at Inter, and happy to join Manchester United. Lets face it, it isn't a bad choice of clubs to play your football for, but if you really know what Wesley Sneijder wants and where he wants to play this season, you've either been told by the man himself, or are the man himself. The rest, are simply rumours.

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Time for Arsenal to move on

Guest Article, Written by @Kevin_Mega

I was saddened to see Cesc Fabregas leave Arsenal as I wasn’t expecting him to leave this season. I was so confident that he would stay that I made a bet at the end of last month that we would see him captaining Arsenal this season. But he’s gone now, he gave arsenal eight years of great service and he will be sorely missed but it’s now time for Arsenal to move on.

As Wenger built the side around Fabregas, I believe the team may struggle as no-one can replicate the service he provided to Arsenals attacking players. Statistics have showed that the teams win percentage decreases when he isn’t in the line up. So what now for Arsenal?

External Recruitment
Many fans will be calling for Arsenal to spend the money made from the Fabregas sale on a player who’s experienced and able to take over the creative duties. Many names have been suggested by the media including Mata and Jadson however Wenger ruled them out in his press conference this week.  A player who I would like for Arsenal to try and purchase is Wesley Sneijder but I don’t see it happening as he’s not your typical Wenger signing.

Acquiring new players will also depend on whether we qualify for the Champions League. Failure to qualify would be a catastrophe as it would lead to Arsenal not being able to buy the ‘super quality’ players Wenger wants, and the £25m we would receive if we win the tie would give Wenger the extra cash to invest in a new DM and a striker.

Frankly I don’t see Wenger being able to sign a player to match Fabregas’ quality so I see him using one of the many centre midfielders he has at his disposal.


Internal Recruitment
The players who can perform for Arsenal in the hole behind the striker are: Rosicky, Ramsey, Wilshere, and Arshavin. All those players at one point have played in the centre attacking midfield position, except for Arshavin who should at least be given a few games in that role to see how he plays as the other mentioned players have never really performed.

Before he came to Arsenal, Arshavin used to play behind the striker, so he would be more than capable of excelling in that role. I however don’t see Arshavin getting a chance to make his mark there as Wenger prefers playing him on the wing.

Rosicky played in that position last season and he didn’t exactly impress either. This season however, Wenger has placed him in a better position alongside Song and he’s played well in the few games we've seen.

Ramsey is a player I rate highly, who I know for a fact would have been playing alongside Song last season instead of Wilshere if it wasn’t for the recovery process involved in his horrific injury.

He still hasn’t recaptured his form, but with the departure of Fabregas, he could rediscover it and forge an impressive partnership with Jack Wilshere. We saw a glimpse of them playing together when they ran the midfield against Manchester United at the Emirates last season, and this is the option I would choose if I was the Arsenal manager, if not, play Rosicky along with Song and Wilshere ahead of them.

Change of Formation to 4-4-1-1
I doubt Wenger would do this but I would love if he bought a very good striker, possibly Benzema, who would partner Arsenal's new captain, Robin Van Persie in attack. I know RVP is great as a lone striker as he showed last season but he has tendencies to drift out of the danger area, leaving our full backs and wingers with no-one to supply crosses to.

If Wenger buys a great striker it would allow Van Persie to play like his idol, Bergkamp. He already has his shirt number, and now it’s time for him to play in his role behind the striker. This I believe, would be a better option than the ones I’ve already mentioned, but again, I don’t believe Wenger would consider this option because it would halt the progress of Ramsey and if he was to change formation he would have done so in pre-season.

To conclude, I hope Wenger doesn’t build a team around one player because that’s why Arsenal seem to be collapsing. The invincible team was great because it had 11 quality players performing, and many more on the bench. It is time now for Arsenal to work as a unit just like they did in 2007-08 season after Thierry Henry left. Wenger is already looking to the future with the acquisitions of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,  Carl Jenkinson, Ryo Miyaichi and the promotion of several youngsters into the first team like E. Frimpong, Henri Lansbury and Benik Afobe. I support building for the future but at the moment we need more experienced players.

Guest Article, Written by @Kevin_Mega

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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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Ferguson Rules Out Sneijder & Turns to Youth

Sir Alex Ferguson has once again ruled out Manchester United signing Wesley Sneijder, insisting that he has been doing so for weeks, with only the media keeping the rumours alive whilst he has the confidence in his young midfielder's to deliver this season.

The Manchester United manager seemed understandably impatient when questioned about the chances of Sneijder moving to Old Trafford on the back of a long, drawn out transfer saga surrounding the player and United. When asked about Sneijder, Ferguson said:

"You can forget anyone you like, I'm happy with the young players I've got."

"I've been saying that for weeks but you [the media] have all been writing differently - that I'm going to buy this one or that one. But we've said nothing, we just carry on with our business."

It's true. Ferguson has been constantly pessimistic in public about United's chances with any Sneijder deal. He said as much in mid-July when he asserted that United fans who were eager to see Sneijder in a United shirt should "forget it", as a deal would be too hard to complete.

The media have been fuelling United fans' addiction for positive information on Sneijder. There have been so many conflicting reports on the deal which has been on and off constantly throughout the window, with fans forced to feed off misinterpreted or untrue quotes from people important in the deal.

It seems ridiculous, that despite Ferguson ruling out a deal many times this summer, people have put his denials down to his famous "mind games," in the hope that the rumours can continue, and fake "exclusives" can continue to be plastered on back pages with very little credibility or plausibility to back them up.

Maybe at last, we can settle for the fact that Sir Alex has ruled out any signings, and has clearly said that he is happy with the players he has at the moment. United fans can feel content with that too, considering the exciting performance the young side put in against their local rivals, Manchester City last week in the Community Shield, in which players like Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Ashley Young and Nani shone in the midfield area and came out on top.

Of course, if United fail to win their opening game at West Brom, some fans will suffer the inevitable knee-jerk reaction and cry out for the signing of a top quality midfielder like Sneijder, who will cost over £35 million. However, Sir Alex Ferguson is in charge, and has been for over 25 years, so I think we could put a little bit more faith in his decision to turn to youth rather than spend tens of millions on a certain 27 year-old Dutchman.

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Sneijder Confirms His Interest in Joining Man United

Wesley Sneijder has confirmed that he is interested in joining Manchester United this summer, but has moved to play down the chances of a transfer happening.

According to an ESPN translation, when Sneijder was asked whether or not he was interested in joining Manchester United, he said:

"Yes, but Manchester United haven't made an official approach yet. There have been unofficial talks, there have been contacts, but then there are always contacts."

These are indeed, promising words for Manchester United fans, especially those who are absolutely sure that Wesley Sneijder must be bought in to Old Trafford in order to keep up with title rivals and European rivals, in particular, Barcelona.

Most events in this long drawn out transfer saga, details have been very vague, and Sneijder continued in that vain, by saying, quite rightly, that there is a chance he could stay, just as there is a chance he could leave. The Dutch midfielder said:

"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."

His tone seems to have changed only very slightly, in that he isn't claiming full comitment to Inter Milan, and is clearly considering his future. His view is, that it is down to the two clubs, Inter Milan and Manchester United coming to an agreement over him, which, despite rumours that it has happened, has not.

Sneijder gave very little away, and when he was asked if he would stay in the UK after the Netherlands friendly with England at Wembley (which has now been cancelled due to the London riots), for talks with Manchester United, he said:

"I don't know."

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Midfield Signing on The Cards For United

Either Sir Alex Ferguson was purposely trying to dissuade Manchester United fans from getting their hopes up for a new signing, or David Gill doesn't keep the United manager informed on transfer activity.

Just as United fans and pundits digested Ferguson's comments that the club were not looking at any new signings because their main targets were unavailable, David Gill comes up with some comments to give revived hope of a new midfield addition.

"We are looking at one more player to bring in," said Gill, as millions of United fans' ears listened with delight. Gill, the Chief Executive of the club, has always insisted that the manager has money to spend on players if he needs it, and it is this central midfield position now vacated by Paul Scholes that will require a substantial fee to fill.

Ferguson has expressed a specific interest in a few players in that position; namely, Arsenal's Samir Nasri and Inter Milans Wesley Sneijder, with the latter being the favourite among fans. Nasri will cost in excess of £20 million this summer, or absolutely nothing next summer, providing he doesn't sign a new contract with Arsenal, while Sneijder will be a £35 million purchase. It's a big fee, but Ferguson admires the Dutchman hugely, and sees him as the natural replacement for Scholes.

"Nothing is happening and nothing is imminent but we will see what happens when we get home. There will still be 31 days of the transfer window to see if anything develops.

"The important point to understand, and Alex has made clear, is that we need someone who is going to improve the quality of the squad."

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Sneijder "Not Available" - But United Will Find Someone

Manchester United have been linked to a good number of game changing central midfielder's and exciting play makers this summer, with names from Ganso to Sneijder placed alongside United's in the gossip columns.

It isn't a rare thing for players to be linked to a big club like United, but once again, Sir Alex Ferguson has calmly played down the rumours, and insisted that if his main targeted replacement for Paul Scholes is unavailable, it would be useless to bring in someone who is a second choice and not up to the standard set by Scholes.

While some United fans frantically tell of the terrible doom the club will find themselves in if United don't spend a load of cash on a big player like Sneijder to work the midfield, pulling their hair out and bashing their fists against the nearest hard platform, the United manager does what he has always done. He has been shrewd, steady and very patient in the market - not rushing for big money deals without any value.

He is simply being realistic. His main target has clearly been Wesley Sneijder. He has admitted the interest himself, along with well placed sources insisting that despite the United managers recent denial, negotiations have taken place. For all we know, they still may be, and Ferguson is only trying to keep the attention away from it.

But if he really does mean it when he says: "At this moment, I can't see another addition. The type of player we might have been looking for is not available," then United will have to accept it and fill in the space left by Scholes until the "type of player" that United are looking for becomes available.

We can't kid ourselves into thinking that Ferguson is oblivious to the fact that a hole has been left by his long serving midfielder. He knows very well, and he also knows the importance of a player of his calibre - he wouldn't be United manager of over 25 years otherwise.

The United boss will find a replacement. It may not be this summer, but next summer is when there is likely to be an injection of new blood into the centre of the United midfield. Next summer will be when Yann M'Vila becomes available to bigger clubs as he looks to fulfil his ambitions, and it is also the time when Samir Nasri will most likely become available on a free. United have been interested in both this summer, but their "availability" is not guaranteed right now.

The favourite among Manchester United fans to replace Scholes is Sneijder - naturally. He is a big player, world renowned, has won as many trophies as possible, and impressed for his country in a World Cup, helping them to the final. He is the obviously already talented player who could be an Old Trafford fan favourite even before he joins.

However, if Sir Alex is unable to persuade Inter to let Sneijder go, he won't waste much time on it - he will move on, and he will ineviatbly find a player, either from the market or from the youth at the club, who is capable of filling Scholes's shoes:

"Scholes was such a great, consistent player for us. I don't think we will find another Paul Scholes. But hopefully we can replace him. Maybe we will find a different type of player. Manchester United do that." 

"Time and time again we have faced this problem. But eventually something turns up, either through our youth system or we will identify someone."

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Manchester United Fans Choose Sneijder

The fans have spoken. As Sir Alex Ferguson continues to deny the interest in Wesley Sneijder, we are continued to be told of Manchester United's interest. Sneijder is also said to have realised the massive opportunity that joining United would be, and it seems the Manchester United fans have made the Dutch midfielder their favourite to replace Paul Scholes.

The poll, asking who Manchester United should buy for central midfield, has been on the site throughout the transfer window and gathered 913 votes, with 494 for Sneijder, followed with 264 votes for Arsenal's Samir Nasri.

Luka Modric came third with 177 votes, followed by Bastien Schweinsteiger with 164. All of the players mentioned have been linked to United in one way or the other, but Inter Milan's Sneijder is certainly the favourite to join Manchester United and step into Paul Scholes's boots.

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Can United's Youngsters Crack Barcelona?

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson are not used to being second place, nor do they like being in second place. However, right now, they find themselves in that unfamiliar and unfortunate position behind the European Champions, Barcelona.

When the day was out on the 28th May, after Lionel Messi and David Villa had weaved their magic to seal another Champions League win over the Red Devils, it was clear for all to see, that United were the inferior force. No matter how well United were able to grind out victories in that title winning season - where the team were able to stick together and grab a late goal to win a game - it wasn't enough to overcome Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson said that although Barcelona are an "exceptionally good team," he is excited with some of the young players coming through at Old Trafford and has urged those youngsters to learn from the European loss, and come back fighting.

We can only assume which players Sir Alex is referring to, but it is no secret as to who the exciting young players are at United. There are those who have already broken into the first team, such as the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio, and then there's those who have only really tasted the first team at other clubs on loan like Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.

There is a deep pool of talent at United, and some of them will have to step into rather large boots next season, especially if the United manager decides not to invest heavily in his midfield which is now without Paul Scholes.

There has been talk of United signing Wesley Sneijder, among others, and Ferguson has acknowledged that his midfield is a weak area in comparison to other areas of the pitch at the moment. But with the integration of certain young players, United may be capable of challenging Barcelona again.

Cleverley and Welbeck, a midfielder and striker respectively, are to be at the very least squad players next season. Ferguson has confirmed they are not to be loaned out again, and they have been promised a place in the managers plans next season.

In central midfield, Tom Cleverley is confident of being able and ready to replace Paul Scholes - he has said as much himself. According to the Wigan first team coach, Graham Barrow, Cleverley is "a bit special," has made "incredible progress" and has "oozed quality" during his time at Wigan. Sir Alex agrees: "He is an intelligent modern-day footballer. His movement and understanding of space is really good for a young player."

He's certainly a fighter - he needed all of his fighting qualities to help Wigan stay in the Premier League after a tough relegation battle. He gets stuck in, is versatile and can pass the ball. He isn't at Paul Scholes's level of quality - very few players are, but given the chance in the United first team, helped with the guidance of Sir Alex, the other United coaches and veteran players, he can shine, and make his mark.

Welbeck meanwhile is described by Ferguson as an "exceptional talent." He had a brilliant season on loan at Sunderland where he was a first team regular, proving that he can play against the top Premier League sides with 28 games and 6 goals. He also impressed with a couple of goals for England's Under 21's, and is an all round different kind of striker than what United have at the moment.

Whereas Rooney, Chicharito and Michael Owen are smaller players, with Rooney being powerful and Hernandez and Owen being poachers and top class finishers, Welbeck is tall, can beat defenders, has a good touch and has a hell of a lot of potential. He's also a local Manchester lad, which will only help his cause among the United faithful.

With the powerful, no nonsense presence of new signing, 19 year-old Phil Jones now at the club, alongside the surprise package of a very steady and solid Chris Smalling, the defence looks good. With players like Ferdinand and Vidic to look up to, they should have no excuses not to become Manchester United rocks of the future.

I can't help but feel it is Anderson's last chance to show everyone what he is about next season in midfield, especially if Sneijder doesn't come in. He is still young, at 23 and also has a lot of potential - but has been growing more recently quite well, with an increased number of impressive midfield performances and goals.

United also have some talents in the reserves, with players such as Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Ryan Tunnicliffe receiving rave reviews from reserve and academy enthusiasts.

The question is, can these players come into the first team soon and play together in a way which is enough to beat the likes of Barcelona? The good thing about Manchester United is, that there is always the right balance between the older players with experience and know-how, with the younger players with energy and youthful enthusiasm. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, that is guaranteed.

I believe, that even without the signing of a perceived world class midfielder this summer, United can still win the Premier League and give a good fight for the Champions League (although signing a player like Sneijder would certainly increase their chances of these happening.) Barcelona's reign as the best will pass, especially when the likes of Xavi and Iniesta retire like Scholes has at United, and Sir Alex knows this.

If he can build a team, starting now, with the youngsters he has at his disposal, and allow them to grow into world beaters by the time Barcelona begin to wane, United will become the team to beat once again, and will no longer have to settle for second place.

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Rooney Would Welcome Sneijder Signing

When Wayne Rooney signed a new five year contract back in October of 2010, he said he was "delighted" to be staying at the club where he belongs. He was probably also rather pleased with the amount of money he would be taking home each week, as he had been then made Manchester United's top earner with a reported wage of something above £200,000 per week.

Manchester United have been linked to a player reportedly demanding more than Rooney's mammoth wages in Wesley Sneijder, and it had been said in numerous speculative reports that Rooney was uncomfortable with a player earning more than him. That to me sounds extremely egotistical and selfish of the English striker, and it is something I wouldn't really expect from him, so I was pleased to hear that Rooney would in fact welcome Sneijder to United, no matter what his wages would be.
A source close to Rooney said:

"It's nonsense to suggest Wayne would ever stop Manchester United signing a player like Wesley Sneijder because he wants to stay the top-paid player at Old Trafford; its absolutely not true. In fact, it's just the reverse. He’s happy to see United sign any world-class player to improve the club's chances of success."

"What other players earn when they join United is of no concern to Wayne. He is happy with his own situation at the club. Wayne is committed to seeing Manchester United improve at every level, which is why he signed on for five more years last season."

Indeed, despite the questionable demands from Sneijder about his wages, it should be of no concern to any other players what they earn per week. For a player to be against a club signing another player because they would exceed their own wages is quite frankly ridiculous to me, especially when we are talking about the already massive sums of money they are being paid.

While Rooney may support the Sneijder signing, Sir Alex Ferguson's latest comments to "forget" United signing Sneijder seems to rule out the signing, unfortunately for the majority of Manchester United fans, who find Sneijder as the perfect replacement for Paul Scholes.

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Sir Alex on Sneijder: "Forget it. I have a good squad."

Those Manchester United fans hoping to see a big name midfielder come in this summer to fill the void left by Paul Scholes will be bitterly disappointed by Sir Alex Ferguson's latest comments about the situation. While transfer speculation continues to pester the headlines, the United manager was typically blunt and straight to the point, making it clear where he stands with the Sneijder deal. He said:

"Forget it. We are looking at some things but I am not so sure Sneijder will be easy to get. I could pick three or four players to come in but they wouldn't be good enough for us, so there is no point."

So while he almost admitted that he had been looking at the possibility, that was all he was doing - looking. His feelings are that Sneijder will be difficult to get and very few other players would be good enough to step into such a demanding role at Manchester United, rendering any other purchases in this position as simply pointless.

While he also agreed that the midfield position is now not as strong as other areas of the pitch, he persisted that the United squad is currently still very strong:

"I would be happy enough [to continue with the present squad]. Maybe I am a bit overloaded in the strikers' positions. The alternatives in midfield are not nearly as strong. But I have a good squad."

Indeed, his comments about the "overloaded" forward area certainly suggest that the rumoured move of Mame Biram Diouf to Blackpool or perhaps the more high profile move of Berbatov leaving looks a little ore likely. However, his words in relation to the midfield do not inspire confidence in United fans hoping to see Sneijder confirmed as a United player soon - or anyone else in that position.

It will be typical of the media and transfer rumours to now suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson is playing mind games and will in fact sign a central midfielder. Many United fans will lap that up immediately as it is what they hope is actually happening, but I have to say that unfortunately in this case, Sir Alex's words are more reliable to me than the gossip columns.

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Sneijder to United: The Timeline of Events

Nothing ever seems to be simple with Manchester United, and the Wesley Sneijder to United saga which has continued to dominate the headlines is certainly one of those complicated transfers we'd all rather see completed very soon.

United have thought about Samir Nasri of Arsenal and Luka Modric of Tottenham as replacements for Paul Scholes, but it seems that United have made Sneijder their number one priority. It is a story which journalists and reporters have absolutely loved, with hundreds of varying stories spurted out for us to digest in a rush of excitement only to be disappointed again and again.

So I have collected and shortened as best I can, all of the reports, stories and "exclusives" that we have all been fed over the past couple of months, and stuck them in a sort of timeline. Enjoy:

11th April

• Rumours circulate that Manchester United could be ready to offer their influential winger Nani to Inter Milan to persuade them to let go of Sneijder.

26th April

• Sneijder praises United: “Do I want to go to United? It’s a beautiful club, but I’m fine in Milan and not at the point to think about it.” 

8th May

• An Old Trafford insider says of the move: “It’s up to the owners now. Sir Alex wants the player — it’s just a matter of agreeing to the wage demands.” 

30th May

• It becomes the general consensus that Manchester United must sign Sneijder to keep up with Barcelona.

5th June

• Sneijder flies to California to meet his wife Yolanthe where they discuss whether a move to England with either Manchester United or City would be desirable.

10th June

• Sneijder praises Inter: "Milan is marvellous, picturesque and full of elegance. I love it. At the moment I am very happy here and I don't see why I should leave."

12th June

• Sneijder says something to fuel suggestions he will say goodbye to Inter: "The Inter fans have always treated me very well. They were wonderful and I want to simply thank them. Only God will decide where my future lies."

20th June

• When Sneijder was asked whether he fancied a switch to United he replied rather ambiguously: "We shall see." 

21st June

• Manchester City and Manchester United are locked in a battle to land Wesley Sneijder. 

29th June

• According to reports Manchester United are set to go for broke to land Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder. Manchester United set to offer Wesley Sneijder £200k-per-week deal. [Click Manchester] 

July 6th

• Sneijder would be ‘ideal’ for United, according to Old Trafford first-team coach Rene Meulensteen.

July 9th

• Inter Milan’s board will meet to sanction the sale of Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United.

• Inter boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “I try not to be worried about Sneijder. He is one of the best players in Europe. But I am convinced we can find a new player when he goes.”

July 11th

• Wesley Sneijder admits desire to remain at Inter: "I want to stay. I have great friends here like Javier Zanetti who kept us all together when morale was low [last season]. If the team decides to sell me then I would go where they say, but I would be unhappy [to leave]."

“Whatever will be will be.” [Goal.com]

July 12th

• Inter Milan director Marco Branca has warned interested clubs off Wesley Sneijder, insisting that the Dutch star "is not for sale". 

July 13th

• Federico Macheda says on Twitter that he hopes to see Sneijder in the United team soon, sparking hundreds of new reports saying the United striker has "leaked" information he shouldn't have. 

• Manchester United are close to completing Wesley Sneijder's £35million transfer.

• United chief executive David Gill is believed to have agreed terms with representatives of the Inter Milan and Holland star, who will earn £190,000-a-week at Old Trafford. [the mirror]

14th July

• United are ready to use Nani as bait in their bid to lure Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford (again.) 

• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said the club have "no real interest" in signing Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder. [BBC] 

15th July

• Sportswear giants Nike have emerged as key to Wesley Sneijder completing a £35.2 million move to Manchester United. The US-based firm sponsor Sneijder and supply the Premier League champions' kit and could be ready to step in and pay a percentage of the Dutchman's wages to ensure the club record transfer goes through.

16th July

• With Arsenal refusing to sell Samir Nasri and Internazionale reluctant to do business for Wesley Sneijder, the Reds boss is now thought to have turned to Hamsik.

To Be Continued...

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£20m Will Buy Juan Mata For Arsenal or United

While Valencia's club President Manuel Llorente has insisted that his young left midfield star, Juan Mata is not for sale, reports continue to link him away from Spain and interestingly, with the two English sides Arsenal and Manchester United. The Mail now reports that both clubs have registered a real interest in Mata, and that if Valencia were to received a £20 million bid for the 23 year-old, it would be enough to persuade Valencia to let him go.

A move for Mata from either Manchester United or Arsenal will depend on what happens with the current transfer sagas surrounding the two clubs. That is, if Manchester United do end up signing Wesley Sneijder in the ongoing, rather confusing negotiations which according to some, are taking place, and according to others are not. 

Indeed in Arsenal's case, a move for Mata much depends on whether or not they can keep hold Samir Nasri and/or Cesc Fabregas this summer. Nasri looks set to stay at Arsenal and run down his contract to go for free next summer, but Barcelona are continuing to circle over Cesc Fabregas and look as likely as ever to snap him up for a lucrative transfer fee.

Theo Walcott's recent admission that he would like to be given the chance to play centrally as a goal scoring striker, it could leave room on the wing for another player to step in. Mata could easily be that player - a winger with bags of pace and the superb ability to beat a man, combined with great technical ability, providing that creative spark needed. 

Mata has made 172 appearances for Valencia, scoring 46 goals, and has a contract with the Spanish side until 2015. However, Valencia's money struggles have been well documented, resulting in the past in the sale of David Villa and David Silva to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, so £20 million will do well to add further stability to the clubs finances. 

If Manchester United do decide to go in for the player, they have a special advantage over other clubs in the fact that Ryan Giggs is still at the club. The United legend is an idol of Mata's, and the chance to be mentored by his idol would certainly be a huge attraction. 

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Sneijder to Manchester United Deal Almost Done

Minutes after writing about the rumour that Manchester United may use Nani as bait to Inter Milan in an attempt to bring Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford, the Daily Mail claim that a £35 million deal for Wesley Sneijder is almost done and dusted.

According to the paper, Manchester United's Chief Executive, David Gill, met with Inter executives at the European Club Association in Zurich yesterday, in which he expressed United's willingness to pay the Italian club £35 million for Sneijder. They claim that the Glazer family - the family that owns United - have sanctioned Sir Alex Ferguson the money to spend on the Dutch play maker as a replacement for Paul Scholes.

Apparently, despite Inter's reluctance to sell their prized asset, the offered amount from United is too big a bid to turn down, and is enough to persuade them to let Sneijder go. In another bonus for United, the Mail claim that instead of Sneijder being paid the reported fees of £250,000 a week or £200,000 a week, the player has compromised and United have instead agreed to pay him £190,000 a week, which leaves Wayne Rooney untouched as United's highest paid player.

It does seem a little to good to be true, and is by no means confirmation that Sneijder is now very soon to be a Manchester United player, but the Daily Mail must surely get their information from somewhere. Either they have completely made up this story - which is very possible - or there is some truth behind it, and Sneijder is closer to a Manchester United move than he was before. Though I urge all United fans to remain pessimistic until the player is unveiled next to Sir Alex Ferguson with a Manchester Untied shirt in his hands. 

In other news, Luka Modric has handed in a formal transfer request to Tottenham Hotspur in another attempt to leave the club for Chelsea, who have now placed two bids for him. Modric was apparently lied to by the Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who told Modric earlier in his Tottenham career that if a club like Chelsea were to come in with a bid, it would be considered. Levy's handling of the situation, i.e: not listening to any offers has made Modric, a former target of Manchester United, even more determined to leave.

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Manchester United to Offer Nani for Sneijder

According to reports, Luis Nani could be used by Manchester United as bait to persuade Inter Milan to let Wesley Sneijder leave Italy and join United. The Daily Express claims that due to Nani's maintained frustration of being left out of the Manchester United Champions League final starting line-up, the 24 year-old winger would be willing to move on.

Manchester United have apparently offered Inter a massive fee of £35 million for Sneijder, as well as offering an astonishingly generous £200,000 weekly wage to the player, but it seems Inter's stubbornness is shining through, with them extremely unwilling to let their star player go. United will now use a trump card, according to the paper, in offering Luis Nani in part exchange for Sneijder. 

Ashley Young's signing has, for some, cast doubt over Nani's future at Manchester United, once again adding to the strength of the argument that Nani may be looking to move on. However, while United could allow Nani to leave, along with his reported £50,000 a week wages to make way for Sneijder's astronomical wage demands, there are several reasons why this deal seems unlikely. 

Firstly, I cannot see Manchester United actively looking to let go of their most influential player last season. Not only did he assist 18 of United's goals last season, but he also recorded his best tally of goals in a season in his whole career with 10. The figures show very clearly that Nani is improving massively into a very talented, dangerous and integral part of a successful Manchester United team. Why on earth would Sir Alex Ferguson want to let him go?

There is also the fact that Manchester United typically seek strength in depth - in fact, it is United's large squad depth that has made them such a successful side over the years. The addition of Ashley Young to the other United wingers in Valencia, Giggs, Park and possibly Danny Welbeck only adds to the competitiveness on the United wings, and it is a fight Nani has expressed he is very much up for.

Finally, while I can understand Nani's frustration at being left out of the Champions League final starting eleven, I cannot see that as a reason to leave such a massive club at such an important stage in it's constant developing process. Nani made close to 50 appearances last season - which showcases clearly his worth to the team and more often than not, has made himself a certain starter - why would he look to leave when he is in such a strong, privileged position at a club like United?

Yes, adding Nani to the Sneijder deal would certainly make it an easier deal for Inter to agree to, but it would be a far better deal for Inter than United. Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't want to let Nani go - he has said so himself in the past - nor does he need to let Nani go. I believe Manchester Untied can persuade Inter to let Sneijder go with a cash only offer, with the £35 million United bid currently being seriously considered. There is really no need to let go Nani now is there?

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