Manchester United Transfer News: Sneijder, Lewandowski, Strootman And De Marcos Discussed In Latest Speculation

There is increasing speculation on Monday about the future of Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder. The 28-year-old, who was close to a move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2011 and has again been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks, is currently embroiled in a contract dispute with the Serie A giants.

Sneijder has been left out of the Inter side in recent weeks, with speculation suggesting that the reason was that the club were eager for the Netherlands international to take a significant wage cut. The two parties held a meeting on Monday, however an agreement appears no closer.

"At this moment in time, I've absolutely no reason to sign a deal,” read a statement by Sneijder released by his representatives, according to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport. “How can I sign a new deal when I’m not even playing?"

Gazzetta reports that there are rumors of an offer already being made by a club outside of Italy. ESPN recently claimed that United were seriously considering making a bid in the January transfer window. Sneijder is also said to be taking legal advice with speculation that he could seek to get released from his contract.

Despite their wealth of attacking talent, it has been claimed by the Daily Mail that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski next summer. The Polish striker has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time; speculation increased by the fact that Lewandowski’s contract is set to expire in 18 months’ time.

According to the Mail, United hope to secure the 24-year-old for a similar fee to the £12 million they paid to Dortmund for Shinji Kagawa in the summer. The story suggests that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to pair Lewandowski with Robin van Persie with Wayne Rooney playing in behind. That, however, would call into question the position of Kagawa, who is currently on the sidelines through injury.

Manchester United are also again linked over the weekend to Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos. The 23-year-old was thought to have interested Ferguson during the summer after scoring in both legs against United in the Europa League back in March.

The Daily Mail reports that United’s chief scout Martin Ferguson was sent to watch De Marcos in action in Athletic’s defeat to Barcelona on Saturday. The former Alaves man could reportedly be available for £20 million.

De Marcos was not the only midfielder scouted by United over the weekend. The Premier League leaders watched PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman during his side’s defeat to Ajax on Saturday, according to the Daily Mail. Representatives from Arsenal and Tottenham are also claimed to have been in attendance at the Amsterdam Arena.

Strootman, 22, has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with his agent recently claiming that United had made contact over a potential transfer. The 22-year-old captained the Netherlands during two World Cup qualifiers in October.