Manchester United face Russian fight over Sneijder

Manchester United face a transfer fight with Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala in the race to sign Wesley Sneijder, according to reports.

The Daily Express claims Anzhi are ready to ‘hijak’ the Red Devils in their pursuit of the Dutch playmaker, with Sir Alex Ferguson keen on the 28-year-old ‘for some time’.

Italian website Sport Mediaset goes on to claim that Guus Hiddink is also an admirer of the player however, and believes Sneijder could make a major impact at the Dynamo Stadium.

The website goes on to report that the club will look to reach an agreement with both the club and player, as the former Real Madrid star remains out in the cold at Inter Milan.

Sneijder has played just three times for the San Siro outfit this season, and The Daily Mirror reported earlier today (Tuesday) that the player has already been sent home for Christmas.

"It was the last training session of 2012 at the Angelo Moratti centre for Philippe Coutinho and Wesley Sneijder today,” read a statement on Inter.it.

"The two Nerazzurri, at the behest of the club and head coach Andrea Stramaccioni, will rejoin their families for Christmas from tomorrow."

The Mirror goes on to claim that the new could ‘tempt’ the Manchester United manager into a move for the player in January.

Paul Scholes has long been the influential playmaker at Old Trafford, but with the veteran midfielder moving towards the end of his career, Sneijder could be an ‘attractive option’ in January.

The reports from Italy suggest that Manchester United won’t have things entirely there own way if they do pursue the player however, and a subsequent transfer battle could ensue in the New Year.