photo by TBWABusted

• by Joe Curtis, writing from Miami, FL

The summer transfer window has been dominated by the Fabregas and Sneijder Saga. The Sneijder Saga, however, seems to be coming to an end. Inter Milan coach Gian Piero Gasperini has announced that the future of the midfielder will be decided in the next seven days. "All I know is that Inter need money and that I'm for sale if the right offer comes in. I have five days off after the international friendly against England on Wednesday." Sneijder told Dutch football magazine Voetball International, "I expect clarity on my future by then".

The main club believed to be after Sneijder is Premier League Champions Manchester United. Sneijder is believed to be the perfect replacement for Paul Scholes. Man United legend Gary Neville praised Sneijder stating that "he has the intelligence to play in areas where he is difficult to pick up, he can score goals and he can assist. He would be a great signing but I'm sure there are a number of clubs looking at him. I hope Manchester United get him but I don't know whether that will be the case."

SAF, however, claimed it was unlikely that United would acquire the Dutch midfielder: "We are looking at some things but I am not so sure Sneijder will be easy to get. I could pick three or four players to come in but they wouldn't be good enough for us, so there is no point."

Over the past few weeks there have been reports that the Sneijder deal had stalled due to wage discussions. United may not be able to afford Sneijder, but their neighbors could. Yesterday another rumor surfaced. On Saturday the Gazzetta dello Sport ran a story claiming Manchester City were set to sign Sneijder for a fee of €36 million with a salary of €6 million a season. City supporters had pulled a fast one on their rivals. The excitement died down when City manager Roberto Mancini released a statement denying that the club had come to an agreement to acquire the midfielder.

In response to the speculation that he was on his way to join City Sneijder said: "I can be very brief about the interest from Manchester United and City: I haven't spoken with either of those two clubs, so I can't really say much about my future at the moment."

What are your thoughts? Will Sneijder join United, City, or stay with Inter?

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