Villa's Sneijder Hopes Revived
Aston Villa will reportedly make a move for Ajax's Wesley Sneijder
after his move to Valencia collapsed, according to the Birmingham
Mail.
The Dutch international has made it clear he sees his future away
from the Amsterdam ArenA but the Villans will face some tough
competition, with Barcelona tipped to show an interest should
Portuguese star Deco leave.
The paper says Villa boss Martin O'Neill watched the 22-year-old in
action in the Dutch Cup final and could now make his move after
Valencia had three bids of £8million rejected.
Sneijder said: "The only way to break with Ajax is by kicking up a
fuss. But that's not my style. This is the moment for a
transfer.
"I have been playing in the first team at Ajax for five years. And
surely Ajax don't want to let me walk out for free in two years'
time?"
However, the Dutch giants are clearly reluctant to lose the
midfielder who scored 18 goals in the Eredivisie last season and it
would take a huge offer from Villa to force Ajax's hand.
The club's sporting director Martin Van Geel said: "Wesley is 22
years old. I know of his ambitions, but he can easily fulfil these
when he's 23, 24 or even 25 years old.''
"We are sorry for him, but we are not unhappy to have Wesley here
another year.
"There will always be other options in the future, but for now,
there are no tangible contacts with other clubs.
"Luckily, I know Wesley doesn't feel it's a punishment to stay a
bit longer in Amsterdam, so in a way nothing is lost."
