Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing a bargain basement deal for Wesley Sneijder.The Sun says the Dutch playmaker has been United boss Alex Ferguson's top choice to replace Paul Scholes in the past.

But Inter's £40m valuation and his astronomical £10m-a-year wages proved a stumbling block 18 months ago.

This could be United's big chance to capture one of the world's great midfielders - but if they pass it up then Tottenham will be waiting to pounce.

Sneijder confessed yesterday: "It's clear it is the best for everyone concerned that in January I am transferred."