Football transfer news

Inter president Massimo Moratti has stressed that Wesley Sneijder will decide his own future after the Nerazzurri accepted an offer from Galatasaray for the playmaker.

The Netherlands international is keen to leave Inter in the winter transfer window after he was frozen out over a contract dispute, but Moratti does not expect any problems if the former Madrid star were eventually to stay put.

“I have only spoken to Sneijder very quickly because it’s not been a big deal. It simply comes down to whether he wants to stay or not,” Moratti told reporters.

“In any case he’s within his rights to either continue with his great contract, or to accept our terms – which we’d be happier about – or to move to another club. We’ve left it up to him and we’ll see what happens.

“Could Sneijder disrupt the dressing room if he stays? These things happen at the beginning, but if you’re sensible you can get over them.

“Having said that, I’m not sure how he sees things.”

Sneijder has made only eight official appearances so far this season.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has quashed reports linking the Italian giants with a move for Southampton’s Gaston Ramirez.

Saints signed Uruguay international Ramirez during the summer for a club record fee of €15 million from Bologna, but he is yet to live up to his billing after just three goals and no assists in 13 Premier League appearances – though injuries have hampered his progress.

Milan are currently looking to add to their squad as they continue their rebuilding, but Galliani has ruled out a move for the Saints No.10, adding that expensive signings will only be brought in if other players are sold.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Galliani said: “There’s no need for Ramirez, we are fine as we are. If someone leaves then we’ll see, but there are no ‘gifts’ on the horizon for the fans.”

One player Milan do look poised to bring to San Siro is midfielder Riccardo Saponara, who is currently co-owned by Empoli and Parma. However, an agreement could be reached to purchase Empoli’s half of the contract for around £3m.

“Saponara is certainly a player that fits in with the policy of focusing on youth that Milan are taking,” Galliani noted.

Fellow Serie A sides Juventus and Inter, as well as Liverpool are believed to be interested in the creative midfielder, but Empoli’s director of sport as also confirmed Milan’s interest.

Speaking to Calciomercato, Marcello Carli said: “It’s true, there is a deal with Milan for half of Saponara’s contract.

“He was tracked by many clubs, but the Rossoneri were quick off the blocks. The player will remain with us until the end of the season. That was a decisive factor in negotiations.”

Newcastle United defender Davide Santon has dismissed reports linking him with a return to Serie A with AC Milan, insisting he is happy where he is.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi highlighted the former Inter man as one of several youngsters he was interested in potentially bringing to the club as the Italian giants continue to rebuild their squad.

Santon, 22, has other ideas, however, insisting that he is more than content seeing out his contract at Newcastle, explaining how he has enjoyed his 18 months at St James’ Park until now.

Speaking to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Santon said: “I have had a year and a half here. I really enjoy it. I am happy at the club.

“This is really important for a young player. We are a young team here and we are growing together. That will only make us stronger in the long-term.”

A couple of injury-hit years at Inter ushered in his move to Newcastle and after more fitness problems during his first season in the Premier League, the Italian has finally settled as the side’s first choice left-back, but he still expects more from himself.

“The team give me confidence to play my game,” he added. “If you play when you are stressed you can’t give 100 per cent. But when you are settled as a group you can do well.

“I know I can do better than now, though. And when we have all of our players fit, we know we can do better as a team.”

Inter have accepted a reported €10 million bid from Galatasaray for Wesley Sneijder.

The midfielder has been firmly out of the first team picture since since September, after rejecting reduced terms on a new deal.

The Istanbul club are the first side to have a bid accepted, but representatives of the former Real Madrid playmaker have yet to comment on Sneijder’s potential interest in a move to Turkey.

“Galatasaray’s offer for Sneijder has arrived and we are happy with it, so now it all depends on Wesley,” Moratti revealed on Wednesday.

“I haven’t yet spoken to him. If he were to remain under our conditions, then he would be a great help.”

Formal negotiations began on Tuesday and it is reported the Netherlands international has been offered a €6m per season wage package to make the move to the Turk Telekom Arena.

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo is eyeing up a future move to the Premier League, following reported interest from Chelsea.

The 27-year-old, who was a member of Spain’s victorious Euro 2012 squad, has enjoyed another prolific term in La Liga, scoring eight goals in 16 appearances so far this season for mid-table Sevilla.

Chelsea were rumoured to be interested in signing the former Real Madrid striker in the summer, while Hull City saw an attempted move for the striker fall through during their time in the top flight.

However, Negredo has now welcomed the reported interest from overseas, stating that the Premier League is a place where he could thrive.

“I know [Chelsea’s] Juan Mata and Fernando Torres really enjoy it in England, where there is a different way of experiencing football compared to Spain,” Negredo told Revista.

“They say it is easier for footballers to go out and about, whereas in Spain it is quite difficult to leave the house; they say you don’t have as much scrutiny there and I like that.

“There comes a time when a cycle comes to an end and I don’t know if it will be sooner or later [at Sevilla], but I think the English League is great and I think my style of football would be well suited to it.”

Despite having one eye on the future, Negredo insists he remains fully focused on Sevilla, and that, wherever he is playing, he will go out looking to score as many goals as possible.

Negredo added: “This year, though, I am looking to beat my highest goal tally for a season; that was the 26 I scored two seasons ago.

“I like scoring goals but I also like beating my personal bests and that requires improvement – and if you improve it has a positive effect on the whole team.”