Manchester United: Nani Bait for Wesley Sneijder

Posted Thursday, July 14, 2011 by Dailystar.co.uk

Manchester United: Nani Bait for Wesley Sneijder
Above: Nani faces a battle to hold down a regular starting place at Manchester United

Manchester United are ready to use Nani as bait in their bid to lure Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford.

Inter Milan are digging their heels in over Wesley Sneijder and are desperate to keep the Holland ace at the San Siro.

Inter’s technical director Marco Branca insists Sneijder is not for sale but Manchester United are still confident of landing the 27-year-old in a deal that could cost them up to £40m.

Chief executive David Gill has opened talks with Sneijder’s representatives and United believe they can agree personal terms with the midfielder with a £200,000-a-week offer.

Gill was at yesterday’s European Clubs Assocation meeting in Zurich, where Inter were represented, and the United chief was expected to discuss the deal.

Sir Alex Ferguson is considering offering Nani plus £20m in cash.

Nani, who cost United £15m, has become an influential member of Fergie’s side but would be open to a move.

Fergie has just landed England star Ashley Young from Aston Villa for £18m, casting doubts over Nani’s future at the Premier League champions.

Fergie has an embarrassment of riches on the flanks, with Antonio Valencia, Ji-Sung Park, Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck.

Nani faces a battle to hold down a regular starting place and is still fuming over his axing for the Champions League Final.

Inter are holding out for a straight cash deal but might be tempted to take Nani as they look to try and reclaim the Italian title this season.

But Branca has made it clear United will have to dig deep and said: “No, there’s not been an official offer and there has never been the intention to listen to them.”

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has denied he could join Barcelona or Real Madrid. He was incensed after his former Everton youth coach Anthony Farrell suggested he would end up quitting United for a Spanish giant.