On his way to OT?

By Chris
August 21 2011

Intense media speculation suggests that Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a late, big-money bid for Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder. The news follows reports on the Serie A club's website that the player missed training due to "personal reasons" - fuelling press reports that the player is set to leave Inter for the Premier League.

Sneijder is rumoured to be United's number one transfer target, but the Red Devils have remained coy on what official moves have been made to sign the 27-year-old.

A price tag around the £28million mark and big-money wages seemed to have ruled out a move from United, but developments in Italy have leased new life into this long-running transfer rumour.

Statements on Inter's website confirm that the player recently missed training due to personal problems and will play no role in the pre-season friendly against Olympiakos.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may try and tempt Inter with a bid for the midfield man, particularly as he seems to be unsettled at the San Siro, to plug the gap left in his squad following Paul Scholes' retirement.

Any move for Sneijder would be a blow to the first-team hopes of young midfield prospects Tom Cleverley and Paul Pogba. Sir Alex has hinted that both players could play important roles this season.