Sneijder back on Man Utd radar

Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder is back on Sir Alex Ferguson's radar with Inter Milan willing to sell the Dutch star to any club who meets their £25 million valuation.

Inter president Massimo Moratti has met with the Dutchman’s agent, Soren Lerby, and told him his client will be allowed to leave if the asking price is met, according to the People.

Manager Claudio Ranieri does not want to lose Sneijder but Moratti is planning for the future and is keen to build a new-look Inter around rising Brazilian star Lucas, it said.

Ranieri is involved in a battle to keep Sneijder at the San Siro.

“Sneijder is our crown jewel,” said Ranieri. “He is not just a squad member, he is the main man. He has to be the leader of the team.

“I don’t want him to go anywhere. I want him to stay here at Inter. He belongs here in this squad. There is still so much room for improvement and more success here.”

Now, Ranieri has admitted that there is fresh interest in the 27-year-old – and Sir Alex Ferguson has said that United’s owners will back him in the transfer market if a top player becomes available.

Selling Sneijder would allow Inter to make their move for Sao Paulo’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who has already been capped 10 times.

Dutch international midfielder Sneijder has been a long-term target for Manchester United and could have moved to Old Trafford in the summer if he had reduced his £250,000-a-week wage demands.

Sneijder, who is back to full fitness after suffering with injury problems this season, has told friends that he is desperate to experience the Premier League after playing in Holland, Spain and Italy.

And although Ferguson is adamant his squad is strong enough to fend off City in the race for the title, he has revealed he has the money to spend if a world-class player becomes available.

He has openly admitted he will spend for the right player.

He said: “If a really top-class player became available then we would go for him, or if we picked up any further serious injuries it might be important to add to our squad.

“Let me also reiterate, contrary to what some people seem to be fixated about, money for a transfer is not a problem if I deem it necessary.”

Sneijder has been on United’s radar for more than a year and was their top target last summer following the retirement of Paul Scholes.

But a £30 million deal could not be agreed for Sneijder, forcing Ferguson to rely on starlet Tom Cleverley as his chief playmaker.

The 22-year-old was a revelation at the start of the season, but has played only twice since injuring his foot in September.

Further injuries to Anderson and a serious bowel condition for Darren Fletcher has left United short in central midfield.

Ajax’s Christian Eriksen has also been monitored, but Sneijder is the world-class playmaker Ferguson has been desperate to sign.

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