Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been given the all-clear to bid for Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder. The People says United's American owners have given Ferguson the go-ahead to launch a shock raid for Inter Milan's £20million playmaker Sneijder.

The 26-year-old Dutchman - who scored and starred in Holland's defeat of Japan yesterday - is one of Ferguson's main summer targets as he tries to beef up a midfield that needs more creativity and drive for next season.

Ferguson has long admired Sneijder but he faces a big battle to land the Dutch star.

It will take some serious sweet-talking from United to tempt Inter into parting with their star midfielder.

And Inter's new gaffer Rafa Benitez is no friend of Fergie's after their frequent spats when the Spaniard was in charge at Liverpool.