Manchester United Transfer News: Wesley Sneijder Hints a Deal Nearly Done

Manchester United's deal for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder has been looking more and more likely, and the midfielder's comments on Tuesday hint that a deal might be closer than many figured.

United have been on Sneijder's trail all summer long, and were even linked to a potential deal to get him back in January. But nothing has come of those rumblings as of yet. For much of the summer, it looked as though Sneijder was unwilling to leave the San Siro, and the Italian giants looked unwilling to sell.

However, in recent days, that stance has changed significantly. Inter have hinted that they'd be open to selling their playmaking Dutch superstar for the right price, while Sneijder has said he'd be open to a deal to England, assuming his wages were right as well. 

Now, according to an ESPN Soccernet report, Sneijder is hinting that perhaps a deal is closer to getting done. 

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Asked if he was keen on a move to Manchester United, Sneijder has now said in a video interview with nos.nl: "Yes, but Manchester United haven't made an official approach yet. There have been unofficial talks, there have been contacts, but then there are always contacts. I have contacts with everybody—you know that [laughs].

"The situation is that I am now an Inter player, and chances are that I will still be that come August 31. There is also a chance I could leave. That isn't really down to me but the club. I think Inter have been very clear: if a good offer comes in, they have to let me go. They don't want to lose me, but there is a chance they will let me go. If something crosses my path, I have enough time to make my decision."

“I am leaving England after the game, but if I get permission, I have to go back.”"

Sneijder has said repeatedly that he'd be open to leaving Inter, but this is the first time he's mentioned wanting to go to United. The 27-year-old Dutchman would slip perfectly into manager Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield, where his attacking skills and playmaking abilities would make him an instant hit. 

The more we hear about this potential deal, the more things look like a deal could easily get done before the end of the month. No one is quite sure whether United's offer is close to what Inter are asking for their superstar midfield maestro, but with the Italians strapped for cash, selling their biggest asset would certainly be a major cash infusion. 

Sneijder's fit at United is undeniable; he'd be just the talented, dynamic playmaker that they've been hunting for this summer, and his attacking skills would make him a brilliant fit at Old Trafford. His ball-handling and passing skills give the Red Devil attack an added dimension, as does his ability to score from distance.

While Sneijder isn't directly saying a deal is done, almost done or even officially in the works, that doesn't mean there's not one brewing. Remember that the Italian press tends to get a little irrational and crazy when it comes to the transfer market, and the news that Inter was on the verge of losing their most talented playmaker would not sit well with them. 

The fact of the matter is that until any kind of official deal is in place, any talks between Sneijder and United will have to be unofficial. That's the way these things tend to work. Inter aren't likely to agree to a transfer fee for their star unless they know he's willing to accept personal terms, lest things get uncomfortable at the San Siro if a deal falls through.

Am I saying a deal is imminent? Not quite; there's still a lot to be hammered out here, as United have yet to convince Sneijder to agree to personal terms and it's unclear whether the Italian club is willing to accept United's bid for the talented Dutchman. 

But Sneijder's statements combined with those made by Inter indicate that there's definitely something brewing in Italy. There are talks going on, and with Inter willing to sell him, a deal could definitely be completed within the next week or so. 

If nothing else, Sneijder's comments have given everyone a reason to think that a deal could be coming down the pipe in the near future.