United set to seal Sneijder deal

Premier League champions Manchester United are close to completing the signing of Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan in a £35 million deal after personal terms were reportedly agreed.

The Glazer family, who own United, have sanctioned the fee for the 27-year-old Holland star as a replacement for Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season.
Chief executive David Gill met his Inter counterparts in Zurich on Wednesday at a meeting of the European Club Association, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

It is understood Gill made clear United's willingness to pay £35 million, with an official bid expected to be lodged before the weekend.

Gill hopes to have the deal wrapped up before he flies to the US on Friday.

Sneijder's wages were believed to be the major stumbling block preventing a deal from being agreed, but according to the 'Daily Mirror', Gill is believed to have agreed terms with representatives of the Netherlands international, who will earn £190,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

Sneijder was forced to compromise on his initial £250,000-a-week wage demands, but an agreement has been struck and the move could be completed by Friday, according to reports.

The wage compromise will also mean United avoid the need to increase England striker Wayne Rooney's salary, as his contract is believed to contain a clause stating he remains the club's top earner.