Manchester United face stiff competition from Anzhi Makhachkala for Inter Milan outcast Wesley Sneijder.
The Daily Express says Anzhi are trying to muscle in on United's bid by attempting to swoop in on the unsettled Inter Milan midfielder.
The Dutchman has been frozen out of the first team following a wrangle over pay with his employers.
Sneijder has been on United's radar for some time and Sir Alex Ferguson has failed to land the coveted midfielder in previous transfer windows.