• Serie A

Liverpool target Sneijder available for £6.3 million

ESPN staff
January 17, 2013
Wesley Sneijder is being monitored by Liverpool © PA Photos
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Galatasaray say they are only prepared to "wait another three or four days for Wesley Sneijder" and have examined other options should his transfer from Inter Milan fall through.

On Wednesday Netherlands internaional Sneijder, 28, said he was "in no rush" to make a decision about his future and did not want to be pressured in to one after the Turkish club urged him to join. He said he had until January 31 to agree to any proposal about his future.

Liverpool are among several other clubs rumoured to be interested in signing Sneijder, who said: "There are still two weeks to go before the end of the transfer window, so there is time. I am relaxed, and I'm considering my options."

But Galatasaray president Unal Aysal is not prepared to wait until then, and told reporters in Turkey: "We'll wait another three or four days for Sneijder.

"If the deal collapses, we have alternatives. The figures quoted in the media are wrong. Our deal with Inter is worth €7.5 million (£6.3 million).

"The player knows our proposal. Inter are now calculating things with him. Our offer for his wages is below €5.5 million. It is also true that our coach Fatih Terim wants Sneijder - he is the first name on his list.

"I see no reason why the transfer should not go through. Even if it does collapse, it won't be the end of the world."

Earlier this week, Terim told Sneijder he must look at Galatasaray "not as an alternative, but as a first choice". Terim was quick to emphasise the stature of the Istanbul club, saying: "If Sneijder wants to come to Galatasaray then he must see us as a first choice.

"This club is not anyone's plaything. Those who play here do not see Galatasaray as an alternative, but as a first choice. Otherwise, one must step aside."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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