Football Transfer Rumours - 'Manchester City Set to Sign Sneijder Ahead of Man United' - Reports

Manchester City have raced ahead of neighbours Man United to sign Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, though City have denied the reports.

Manchester United have been linked to the Dutchman for most of the transfer season, and they looked to be favourites to secure his signature. With Paul Scholes' retiring, Sneijder was said to be his replacement as a creative midfielder, and further reports suggested he was manager Sir Alex Ferguson's top summer target.

However, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has come out with claims that Sneijder would play his final game for Inter on Saturday in the derby against AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup, before moving to United's bitter rivals Man City for a fee around the region of €36 million, with a massive salary of €6 million a year.

Further reports, however, suggest that City have played down the rumour. Inter Milan are expected to comment on the matter soon.

If reports are true, Sneijder's move to Man City could make next season's Manchester derbies especially spicy affairs.