Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to turn to Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder after being frustrated in their bid for Udinese's Alexis Sanchez.
The Daily Star says Mancini's growing frustration has made him turn his attentions to Sneijder, 27. The Italian has sounded out former club Inter Milan about what it would cost to lure Sneijder to Eastlands.
The news will be a big blow to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been tracking Sneijder for six months, having earmarked the Holland midfielder as the perfect replacement for Paul Scholes. But the Scot knows he won't be able to compete on financial terms with his billionaire neighbours, with Sneijder demanding wages of £200,000 a week.
With City also offering Champions League football next season, Mancini hopes Sneijder's experience and talent will help his side to become a major European powerhouse.
It is the third time this summer Mancini and Fergie have been scrapping for the same player.
Sanchez has held talks with both Manchester clubs while Tottenham's Luka Modric is also a target but Chelsea remain favourites to land the Croatian star.
