Paul Scholes is a big fan of Wesley Sneijder

Posted Wednesday, August 03, 2011 by The Sun

PAUL SCHOLES has backed Wesley Sneijder as the perfect man to replace him at Old Trafford.

Midfield ace Scholes, who retired in May, said: "Yes, Sneijder's brilliant. He's been brilliant for the last year or so, with Inter Milan AND Holland.

"I don't think it probably worked out as well as he would have liked at Real Madrid but he's a top player."

Scholes, 36, now on the Manchester United coaching staff and preparing for his testimonial match on Friday added: "I'm sure there are a lot of clubs who will be after him if he is available."

United are at the front of the queue of clubs chasing Sneijder, and are considering whether to match Inter's £35million valuation.

Inter Milan coach Gian Piero Gasperini played down the possibility of Sneijder moving, saying he will play in this weekend's Italian Super Cup clash with AC Milan in Beijing.

Gasperini said: "He's playing for us, training with us and he'll play on Saturday. There is no Sneijder problem."

United have until August 31 to wrap up a deal - having already laid out over £50m this summer on David De Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones.

Old Trafford chief Alex Ferguson is tipping £16.5m centre-back Jones to make an immediate impact - even though Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are blocking his way.

In an interview with club magazine Inside United, Fergie commented: "The ability he's got and the determination he's got, he could quite easily play.

"He's the future, but he could certainly come in right away."