Galatasaray in talks to sign Sneijder

Jan 8, 2013 2:14:00 PM

The Super Lig champions are willing to offer the Dutchman a way out of San Siro and have held negotiations over a deal, but require the Nerazzurri to lower their asking price

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal has revealed that the Turkish giants are in talks to sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter.

The Dutch playmaker has not featured for the Nerazzurri since the end of September, and does not seem to have a future at San Siro after rejecting a contract extension in December.

However it appears the talks are still at an early stage, with Soren Lerby, Sneijder's agent, believed to be unaware of the Turkish side's interest and yet to talk with officials from the club.

It was earlier reported that coach Andrea Stramaccioni would continue to leave the former Real Madrid man out of his team unless he agreed to the new terms at San Siro, which are worth significantly less than his current deal.

And, despite Lerby's lack of contact with Galatasaray, it appears that the Turkish champions are now willing to offer him an escape route, as long as Inter lower their asking price.

"I had dinner with [Inter president] Massimo Moratti in Italy on Monday," Aysal told GSTV. "We spoke about how we can co-operate on football academies.

"The Wesley Sneijder topic was also on table. I can say we made positive progress on the prospect of signing Sneijder.

"I suppose it will be clear in a few days. We will negotiate the terms and hopefully get a discount on Sneijder's fee. If they will agree on our offer financially then this move will be finalised."

Sneijder's wife Yolanthe Cabau also commented about the development, using Twitter to put forward her views on the Turkish capital.

“Istanbul is definitely nice! Have been there many times, love Turkey!” she wrote.

“But what will happen, I do not know… I can only say that Wes still loves Inter as much as he did before.”

Sneijder, who was rumoured to be on the verge of a €30 million move to Manchester United during the summer of 2011, last turned out for Stramaccioni's side against Chievo on September 26.

He recently admitted that he is likely to move away from the Giuseppe Meazza during the winter transfer window, which has sparked interest from a number of European clubs.

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