Manchester United Transfers: 4 Midfielders Team Should Get If Sneijder Says No

The courting process between Manchester United and Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has been like something out of a bad romance movie.

Last summer, Sneijder was linked strongly with a move to Old Trafford, but a transfer failed to happen amid rumors that the Dutchman's wage demands were too high and that the roster was strong enough to make another league title run.

But now, United are showing the poorest of forms in league play, losing back-to-back matches to Blackburn and Newcastle United. The team's dip in performance has caused them to turn back to the midfielder from Italy they almost fell in love with last summer.

According to reports from ESPN, Sneijder has said he's "90 percent certain" he'll remain at Inter Milan but added, "I don't say that I am 100 percent certain, because something unexpected can always happen."

The Red Devils need a boost, and Sneijder—a quick, strong, unselfish, excellent set-piece shooter of a player—can provide what the team needs to overtake cross-town rivals Manchester City and keep Tottenham at bay.

But what if Sneijder is telling the truth when he says he's happy at Inter Milan, and 90 percent truly means 90 percent?

If Ferguson and Co. are truly seeking another midfielder, they'd do well even if the Dutchman says no—and here are the players they could go after, who would help them just as much as Sneijder.

Oleksandr Aliyev, Dynamo Kyiv

Oleksandr Aliyev is the best free-kick taker you've never heard of.

The Ukrainian born midfielder Aliyev rarely gets a chance to earn notice from casual football fans, but European goalkeepers certainly know him—and fear him.

The 26-year-old took his Dynamo Kyiv all the way to the quarterfinals in last year's Europa League thanks in part to free kicks like the one shown above.

Just YouTube the guy, and you'll be amazed you're not hearing more of him.

Sejad Salihovic, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim may not be one of the premier clubs in the Bundesliga, but their star set-piece taker Sejad Salihovic is grabbing enough headlines for the German club.

The Bosnian international is having his best season to date, and if Manchester United is looking for a solid midfielder who crosses well and takes even better free kicks, they couldn't do much better than Salihovic.

Check out Salihovic in action against his latest victim—FC Augsberg goalkeeper Mohamed Amsif.

Royston Drenthe, Everton

He's confident with the ball, and he's got more raw athleticism than most others on the pitch.

What's not to love about Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe?

Sure, his work ethic has been called into question by manager David Moyes, but with a one-touch shot like the one shown above, how can Red Devils fans not want to at least entertain the opportunity to nab Drenthe from a descending Everton club.

Arjen Robben, Bayern Munich

If you're Manchester United, you can go after the best players in the world (they are pursuing Sneijder after all).

So, why not try and court the best set-piece taker in Germany—and probably the world—Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben?

The question is, does the former Chelsea man want to come back to the Premiership? Probably not.

But the chance is probably greater than the 10 percent Sneijder gave of leaving Inter Milan, right?