United, Chelsea Want Sneijder
Sneijder is likely to join Chelsea next season
Both current and former Premier League champions have shown their interest in adding Wesley Sneijder in their bag. Chelsea are the main candidates in the Dutch race, the Blues having made a 30 million-pound deal towards the former European champions Inter Milan.
The new champions and this year’s UEFA Champions League finalists Manchester Untied have also looked interested in signing the Dutch playermaker, though they haven’t offered a bid yet. According to reports, Guus Hiddink, who is also the main favorite for the Stamford Bridge job, is the one behind the player move. The Dutch manager, who is currently coaching Turkey, is to take the second mandate in West London ahead of the new season, reports say.
Inter Milan president Massimo Morattie revealed that the Devils talks are real, but the Old Trafford side remain the second favorite for the big transfer. “The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real, but I didn’t look into it in an attempt not to fall into temptation. I’m following him at the World Cup and I think I’ll do the same also at Inter for the next years,” said the Italian. The 26-year-old midfielder joined Inter back in 2009 with whom he has won the UEFA Champions League trophy, the Serie A title, as ell as a couple o Italian Cups, a Supercup and the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.
The former Real Madrid player scored eight goals in 51 appearances for the Italians, while his Spanish adventure includes a Primera Division title and the 2008 Spanish Supercup. Sneijder scored 11 goals in 52 matches for Real, having become one of the most hunted playermakers in Europe. The Dutch started his career at Ajax Amserdam in 2002 with whom he spent five seasons. Sneijder scored 48 goals in 127 Eredivisie selections. He is also winner of two Dutch Cups and a league title.
As for the international career, the 2010 World Cup finalist has gathered 76 selections for the national team for whom he scored 21 goals in eight years. However, Chelsea might become his fourth big side in career. The Blues sacked Carlo Ancelotti last month after finishing the season second, nine points behind arch-rivals Manchester United who ousted the Stamford Bridge side from the Champions League quarter finals. Chelsea haven’t appointed a new coach yet, but Hiddink is likely to take over the Italian who had replaced the Dutch two years ago. Hiddink led Chelsea to a FA Cup after Felipe Scolari’s sacking.
The Dutch is believed though to prefer London instead of Old Trafford. United are to sign former Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones who has arrived in Manchester to undergo medical test. If he passes, the 19-year-old will be joining the new champions. Jones has gathered 34 Premier League selections with Rovers, but hasn’t scored any goal yet.
His move thrilled Wayne Rooney who looked pleased with the new transfer: “Phil jones is a good young English player. 1 of the toughest defenders I played against last season. Can play midfield to,” said the United striker. Jones is expected to pal alongside captain Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. His international career includes four selections for the U-19 England team and five for the U-21 one. The youngster made his Premier League debut back in 2009, gathering 12 appearances in his first season. Concerning this term, Jones has picked up 27 selections.11
