Ajax have told Real Madrid that they must meet their 30m asking
price for Wesley Sneijder before Wednesday or he will be used in
their Champions League qualifier.
The Dutch club laid down the ultimatum after confirming that they
have received an offer of 24m for the Dutch international
midfielder.
If Sneijder appears for the Amsterdam-based side in the Champions
League qualifier in midweek against Slavia Prague then he would be
ineligible to play in the competition for Madrid.
"Real have to hurry because we want to play Wesley on Wednesday,"
coach Henk ten Cate confirmed.
Ajax's technical director, Martin van Geel, was also adamant that
the club would not just roll over because Madrid have made their
interest official.
"We have a concrete offer of 24m," van Geel said. "We want
30m.
"We are ready to begin the sparring with Real Madrid. We cannot
just lie down and accept their first bid."
Despite being previously quoted as believing that Ajax would
struggle to win the league if Sneijder left, ten Cate was upbeat
about his side's chances.
"Let's not be dramatic," the coach said.
"We should be proud that we have received such a large offer for
one of our players.
"Real Madrid are one of the most prestigious clubs in the world and
he comes from our youth system.
"If he leaves then another player will be given the chance to rise
up.
"That is the way that football is.
"We cannot be weak about this. We still have a great squad and will
be one of the favourites to win the title."
