Manchester United bid for Sneijder and ask about Balotelli

Manchester United have reportedly launched a £29million offer for Inter Milan’s Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who is 8/1 to score first in in Holland’s World Cup final match with Spain.

However, Inter president Massimo Moratti has rebuffed the initial approach, saying: “The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real, but I didn’t look into it in an attempt not to fall into temptation.”

United are keen on the player who has a 3/1 chance to be the World Cup’s top scorer and will want to test Moratti’s resolve with a big bid.

Sneijder signed for Inter just last summer and has emerged as one of the world’s best creative midfielders after winning a treble of trophies with Inter and guiding Holland to the World Cup final by scoring five goals.

The former Ajax star would be the perfect addition for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, who need a player that can unlock defences in tight situations.

While the Red Devils scored 86 times in the league last season they looked short of ideas in losses to Chelsea, Burnley and Aston Villa, defeats which ultimately proved costly.

With Sneijder in their ranks, such games could be rescued or even won, meaning they would be a great bet to win the Premier League, at 7/4.

According to Moratti, United are also lining up a bid for prodigious firebrand Mario Balotelli. The 19-year-old talent had numerous run-ins with manager Jose Mourinho last season but remains one of Europe’s hottest prospects, being able to play anywhere along the front.

Ferguson could use his fatherly style to mould the Italian into the fine player he promises to be and with Ryan Giggs ready to retire, United could blood Balotelli at steady intervals. A £30million price-tag slapped on by Moratti would prove too much money, though.

Manchester City are also intersted in the youngster and we could see a similar scrap to last summer’s Carlos Tevez transfer. Roberto Mancini’s side are 5/1 to win the league.

Meanwhile Sunderland are ready to match Rennes £7million asking price for Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan.

The 24-year-old impressed at the World Cup, playing up front on his own, and would give Steve Bruce’s side some much-needed energy.

With Gyan, Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent Sunderland can improve on their 48 goals scored in the Premier League last year, and would look a good bet to beat Birmingham City in their opening game of the season – that’s currently Evens.

How would Sneijder look in a Manchester United team? Should he sign after the World Cup final, a decent win for Ferguson’s side against Newcastle United in their first game of the season seems assured – 3-0 is 6/1.