MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER RUMOURS: Sneijder, Gaitan, Kagawa, Alba, Berbatov And Fabio Involved In Latest Speculation

Attempting to exploit the growing rivalry between Manchester neighbors United and City, Metro excitedly claims on Friday that the men in Blue are set to pip the Red Devils to the signing of Dutch creator Wesley Sneijder.

The Inter star was heavily linked to United through much of last summer, though terms between the parties could never be agreed. Now it is being reported that City is keen to take Sneijder to the Etihad. It makes for a great tabloid story, but all indicators are that United have moved on in their pursuit of an attacking midfielder.

Sneijder turns 28 next month and United have a policy of focusing their recruitment on the under 26, hence the pursuit of Hazard and hence the seemingly imminent signing of Shinji Kagawa.

In fact, the Daily Star claims that the deal for the Japanese international will finally be completed next week. Kagawa, 23, was exceptional for Borussia Dortmund in their march to the German league and cup double last season and will reportedly sign a five -year deal worth £60,000 a week.

The deal for Kagawa could potentially mean an ending of United's long-rumored interest in Nicolas Gaitan. The Argentine midfielder was said to have impressed boss Sir Alex Ferguson during Benfica's two draws against United in the Champions League last season. But, according to TalkSport, Gaitan may now be set for a move to Napoli.

With Gaitan operating predominantly from a position on the left, it is possible that if signed he could dovetail with Kagawa. It would be a surprise, though, were Ferguson to spend such a bulk of his budget on two players who operate in similar areas.

Especially when there are gaps to fill in other areas of the squad.

One vacancy is likely to be up front where Michael Owen has already announced his departure and Dimitar Berbatov has also been told he can leave this summer, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The report, though, states that Bayer Leverkusen, thought to be in pole position to re-sign the forward, will only consider a move if he is available on a free transfer. But, having activated their one-way option to extend his contract for another year, United hopes to recoup around £6 million for the Bulgarian.

As well as a striker, United may also be looking for a left-back this summer. It has been widely reported that Fabio will be leaving on-loan next season, with his likeliest destination now appearing to be Queens Park Rangers, according to the Daily Mail.

In recent weeks Ferguson is said to be pursuing an interest in several left-backs, most notably Leighton Baines, with the aim of finding a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra.

The Mail reports that the man to fulfill that role could be Valencia's Jordi Alba. But with Barcelona also interested and Evra still at the club, it is difficult to see this deal materializing.

The Frenchman did not have his best season by any means last term, but it would represent a big decision for Ferguson to move aside one of his most experienced campaigners and most influential members in the dressing room.