Wesley Sneijder: New Options as Man United's Ferguson Admits Deal Has Gone Cold

Sir Alex Ferguson's announcement that Manchester United have no intention of pursuing a deal for Inter Milan's dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder has come as a shock to fans and commentators. Many of who speculated that the enigmatic Dutchman would be brought to Old Trafford to replace Paul Scholes.

With this deal appearing to be dead in the water, I'll take a look at a number of alternatives for the vacated No. 18 shirt.

Marek Hamsik

Slovakian attacking midfielder currently plying his trade at Serie A side Napoli.

Would be keen on a move to the Premier League, and at 24 years old offers value for money.

Eden Hazard

Lille's Belgian attacking midfielder was integral in the french club's double winning season last year.

Heavily touted as one of Europe's top youngsters, his move to Arsenal looked likely but the move has stalled. Ferguson may be keen to pip his old adversary Wenger by taking Hazard to Old Trafford.

Mario Gotze

The 19-year-old German currently plays in his native country for Borussia Dortmund. He has been touted as the next German star to roll off the production line.

At such a young age, he may be Ferguson's biggest gamble to date.

Paulo Henrique Ganso

Ganso is a Brazillian star in the making and is on the radar of a number of Europe's biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, AC Milan and FC Barcelona.

An attacking midfielder, he is just what Ferguson is looking for but may take a note of caution after his previous dealing with Latin American midfielders like Juan Sebastian Veron and Kleberson.

Luka Modric

Ferguson may need to act quickly if he is to pry Modric away from White Hart Lane and prevent him from joining the Kings Road millionaire club.

Ferguson is a huge admirer of the Croatian, and with a wealth of Premier League experience, United would be purchasing proven quality. Whether he's willing to part with the £35 million needed to tempt Tottenham is yet to be seen.

Scott Parker

If United's ideal replacement for Scholes is either not available or doesn't have good value, then Ferguson may be tempted to turn to the England midfielder, as he changes his formation to suit the current squad.

The arrival of Ashley Young could see United add Parker to play as an anchoring midfielder, allowing Fletcher and Young to play as more attacking midfielders.

Not the most immediate choice for United fans but one to consider.

Tom Cleverley

Sir Alex's announcement that Tom Cleverley won't be leaving Old Trafford on loan again this year indicates that he will use the England U-21 international as a squad player this season.

The experience gained at Wigan will stand him in good stead for the challenge ahead, but this may be too big a learning curve in replacing Scholes.

Adel Taarabt

The Moroccan was the Championship Player of the Year and has received rave reviews from coaches across the country. The opportunity to join United for £10 million will tempt new boys QPR into selling their star asset.

He failed as a junior at Tottenham but has matured into a quality playmaker. His attitude my put Sir Alex off though.