Sneijder: No serious contact with Man Utd

 Wesley Sneijder says there was never any direct contact with Manchester United in the summer.

Sneijder appeared close to moving to United at the start of the season.

But he remarked: "Manchester United? The contacts were never real, something like that. I looked around, I'm not blind, but with them I've never been in real contact."

de Boer hoping Man Utd target Eriksen sticks around at Ajax

Ajax Amsterdam manager Frank de Boer has urged Christian Eriksen to remain with the club.

The Danish wunderkind has been heavily linked with Manchester United but de Boer hopes he remains in Holland to further develop his game before eventually moving onto a bigger club.

"Christian is a smart kid," he said.

"Of course maybe he will play for a big team like Manchester United in the future. But I think he wants to show what he is capable of in this kind of team.

"It would be better for him to stay until he was 25 because you learn a lot in the Netherlands.

"If you leave afterwards you are a more stable player and ready to play in the big leagues."

Ferguson wants Man Utd players to make Christian Eriksen judgement

Sir Alex Ferguson wants his players to make a ruling on Ajax star Christian Eriksen.

The Manchester Evening News says Ferguson will get his own players’ assessment before deciding whether to move for summer target Eriksen.

United will get a first-hand look at the Danish wonderkid when they face Ajax in the Europa League tomorrow night.

Ferguson believes Eriksen has the potential to become the long-term successor to Paul Scholes and does not want to lose him to one of United’s European rivals.

Agent admits Man Utd keen on Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze

The agent of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze has confirmed the interest of Manchester United.

His agent, Dirk Hebel, claims several of Europe's top clubs are chasing the attacking midfielder, who has not featured for Dortmund since December 11th due to a groin injury.

Hebel named United and Juve as two suitors who have been in touch over Gotze but insists the Bundesliga club will not let him leave for less than €40million (£33m).

The agent told calciomercato.com: "I think in Europe all the top clubs are interested in Mario.

"I can confirm that I have had contact with Juventus and Manchester United, but not only them.

"I don't know if he'll go away after this season, you should ask the Borussia. But I think that they will not let him leave for less than 40 million euros.

"He still is very happy at Dortmund, though now he is injured."

Eriksen: Man Utd boss Ferguson best coach in world

Christian Eriksen is happy with praise from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson spoke of his admiration for the Dane yesterday.

"Maybe he is trying to put pressure on me , I do not know," smiled Eriksen.

"Since I played well for Denmark I woke up everyone in England.

"Playing against Manchester United is special. We can show who we are against perhaps the best coach in the world."

Sneijder still wants Man Utd

Zenit St Petersburg are ready to rival Anzhi for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

Anzhi officials were in Milan on the weekend, but Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti has now declared their interest in the Dutchman.

"Who wouldn't want him? But he'll be hard to tear away from Inter," said Spalletti.

Zenit are willing to match Anzhi's €8 million-a-year net offer to Sneijder. But Mediaset says the midfielder still has hopes of joining Manchester United at the end of this season.

The Russian transfer market doesn't close until February 24.

Gaitan staying calm over Man Utd rumours

 Nicolas Gaitan is staying calm over fresh Manchester United transfer rumours.

United had scouts check on Gaitan last week in victory over Gil Vicente.

"Am I being followed by Manchester United? Ah, I feel fine and I do not worry about the rumours," smiled the Argentine.

"I enjoy it at Benfica. People change clubs because they are unhappy, but with me that is absolutely not the case."

Man Utd agreement for Gaitan still watertight with Benfica

Manchester United have the edge on rivals for the signature of Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan.

Manchester City are also interested in the Argentine and both Premier League giants had scouts in the stands to see Gaitan in action against Gil Vicente last week.

However, Record says United have the inside running as they secured a 'gentlemen's agreement' with Benfica in January that Gaitan will move to Old Trafford for season 2012/13.

The two clubs need to settle on a fee for Gaitan, but United do boast first option on the midfielder.

Sneijder: I would've gone if Man Utd had made offer

Wesley Sneijder would've joined Manchester United last month if they'd made an offer.

Sneijder faces an uncertain future in Italy following a poor first half to the season in Serie A that has seen Inter struggle.

"There have never been any concrete contacts with Manchester United," said Sneijder. "I see everything, I am not blind, but there is nothing concrete right now.

"If on the last day of the transfer window an offer had arrived, maybe I would have left.

"The truth is that I feel at home at Inter, but I do not know where I will play next season."

Ferguson ponders bringing forward Van Wolfswinkel plans

Manchester United are being linked with a late move for Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The Sunday Mirror says United and Liverpool target Van Wolfswinkel is a ­wanted man – with Lazio ready to make a £13million bid for the Sporting Lisbon star this month.

United and Liverpool are keen on the striker but were expected to wait ­until the summer to make bids.

But they could yet be forced into action this month as Lazio are ready to enter the race to sign the highly-rated Dutchman.

Sir Alex Ferguson last year claimed he signed Phil Jones a year ahead of schedule as he got wind of interest elsewhere – and he could now be forced into a move for Van Wolfswinkel.

Inter chief Branca on way to Man Utd for Sneijder talks

Manchester United are being sensationally linked with talks over a deal for Inter Milan ace Wesley Sneijder.

Gazzetta dello Sport says sporting director Marco Branca is set to travel to England in the upcoming days in order to open talks with Manchester United about a potential transfer.

There were reports on the weekend that Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, had been informed by Inter president Massimo Moratti he could leave for £25 million this month.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson remains a big fan of the Dutch ace, despite missing out on him in the summer, and a deal could now be resurrected in the coming days.

Gaitan: Great to be wanted by Man Utd

Nicolas Gaitan is proud of interest from Manchester United.

United are said to have a 'gentlemen's agreement' with Benfica over a deal which will see the Argie move to Old Trafford to June.

"Ever since the pre-season, it has been said that Manchester United are following me," Gaitan told Clarin.

"Then, Benfica met United in the Champions League group stage and I did not expect that Ferguson would talk about me before and after the game.

"He said Benfica had good players and named me, which is something that makes me very happy. I did not expect to be praised by a coach like him, we all know what he represents in football.

"I am proud that one of the best clubs in the world want me, but I am only thinking about Benfica.

"If the transfer happens, it has to be good for Benfica and myself."

Gaitan: I'm calm about Man Utd rumours

Nicolas Gaitan is staying grounded over talk of an agreement with Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is untroubled by the rumours surrounding his future and is adamant that he is happy at Benfica if no transfer materialises.

"The interest of big clubs is not affecting my head," Gaitan told O Jogo. "I am calm about the rumours about Manchester United.

"It is certain and obvious that some clubs are interested in me and that signifies that I am doing well, but now my mission is to work and help Benfica to be successful.

"I am not desperate to be sold. I am very comfortable in Benfica because we are an excellent team and the people are happy with me.

"My future? I do not want any pressure and I wait for news.

"If, eventually, no concrete offers appear, it's not a problem."

Ferguson considers reviving bid for Inter Milan playmaker Sneijder

 Sir Alex Ferguson is again being linked with a sensational move for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

The Daily Mail says Sneijder came close to moving to Old Trafford in the summer, but Fergie was warned off by the size of the figures involved in the deal.

However, Ferguson could be forced to dip into the transfer market this January after the club suffered injuries to a number of key players.

Darren Fletcher is taking an extended break from the game with ulcerative colitis, Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out for the season, Anderson is battling a long-term knee problem and Javier Hernandez and Tom Cleverly are also sidelined.

The Holland international, 27, will have to accept less than his £200,000-a-week wages if he is to complete a move to the champions.

Ferguson has admitted that he would be keen to sign Sneijder, should he become available in the coming weeks.

Huntelaar would prefer Schalke stay to Man Utd move

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would be prepared to discuss a new contract at Schalke despite reports of interest from Manchester United.

Only last month, the Holland international was linked with a January transfer to United as part of a swap deal which would see Dimitar Berbatov head to Schalke.

"I know nothing of alleged interest from Manchester United," Huntelaar said to Voetbal International.

"I will not even speculate, I am concentrating fully on Schalke.

"I'll let any offers come to me quietly and will then see what happens. This is the attitude I've always had.

"My contract runs until the summer of 2013. If they [Schalke] want to talk, I'll gladly listen."

Man Utd won't allow Chelsea free run at Everton's Rodwell

Manchester United are ready to compete with Chelsea for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell next month.

The Telegraph says if Chelsea do lodge an official bid for Rodwell in the new year, they are likely to face competition from Manchester United.

There has been no offer lodged for the England Under-21 international yet, but there is firm interest from Stamford Bridge in the youngster, who has started to fulfil his potential at Goodison this season.

Everton will be desperate to keep hold of one of their prized assets, but a major offer would be hard to resist given their financial difficulties.

Ferguson ready to beat Liverpool for Shaqiri

Manchester United are chasing FC Basel Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Daily Star says United have sounded out his agent Ulisse Savini about a possible £10m switch to the Premier League champions.

Shaqiri, 20, has been likened to Barcelona star Lionel Messi following a string of impressive displays for Basel and Switzerland.

Liverpool have been tracking Shaqiri since Roy Hodgson was boss and Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has watched him several times.

Fergie is confident of landing him and can offer bigger wages, but Shaqiri is keen to help Basel progress in the Champions League knockout stages.

Man Utd reach "gentlemen's agreement" with Benfica for Gaitan

Manchester United have struck an agreement with Benfica over a deal for Nicolas Gaitan.

Record says the two clubs have come to a "gentlemen's agreement" which will see the Argentine move to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

United made it clear to Benfica they wanted Gaitan - but the Portuguese club's president Luís Filipe Vieira refused to consider selling the 23 year-old in January.

Instead, the two clubs have agreed a tentative deal for June. Benfica will not do business with rival clubs, while United have agreed not to turn up any pressure during the winter market for the midfielder.

Fuming Fergie wants Tiote energy to spark Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to test Newcastle United's resolve for Cheik Tiote.

The Red Devils sent trusted chief scout Martin Ferguson to Tyneside for the 0-0 draw with Swansea City to run the rule over Tiote.

The brother of Man U boss Sir Alex was in the stands at St James’ Park on Saturday and witnessed the return from injury of the African, who played his first game since October 22.

An Old Trafford source told the Evening Chronicle: “There’s definitely a shake-up going on at Man United.

“Sir Alex is furious at the way his team limped out of the Champions League and the Carling Cup in the last few weeks and he wants to add some bite to his team during the forthcoming transfer window.”

United eye move for Ajax midfielder Eriksen as injuries woes mount up

Manchester United have admitted Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen is a potential target for the Barclay Premier League champions. 

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in dire need of reinforcements after a spate of injuries slashed the depth of his squad.

The Denmark international, 19, has a contract at Ajax until 2014 but Spain's domestic and European champions Barcelona are also keen admirers.

'This is a player that is on our radar,' United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen said. 

'But that is to be expected. If people weren't looking, no-one would ever have an opinion on these players.

'It is true that a player like Eriksen would fit our transfer policy.

'He is being strongly linked with us, but to suggest that we are about to make a move is not true.'

However, his agent was quick to point out that Eriksen will not be rushed into any potential move.

'Christian must weigh up every step he takes in his career,' said Martin Schoots.

'He gave a lot of thought to joining Ajax. Last summer he could have gone to England, and a German club was very keen, but he passed the opportunity up.

'He has signed a contract at Ajax and a transfer is not an issue at the moment.'