When it comes to players being perennially linked with Manchester United, but who have never actually signed on the dotted line, Wesley Sneijder stands head and shoulders above the rest.
In 2010 and 2011, the back pages were replete with stories about the Dutchman signing for Manchester United virtually every day.
It was difficult to imagine that a deal wouldn’t be completed. But, to the eternal consternation of Manchester United fans, nothing concrete materialised.
But that did nothing to end speculation and the player has once more been linked with a move to Manchester United over the last couple of weeks.
But, at the age of 30, has he missed the boat?
Well, this is a footballer who has suffered injuries injuries in his career but likes to keep himself in excellent shape. He’s a clean liver and a top professional in this respect.
And he certainly still offers threat in attack – Sneijder has already hit 18 goals in just over 53 games for Galatasaray since joining the Turkish giants in 2013.
But when you look at the Manchester United team these days you have to ask whether they actually need him. United are still searching for a convincing midfield partnership in an area of the park which hasn’t been right for a good few years.
But Sneijder looks to us to be more of a number 10. He’s not somebody who really likes to get stuck into the tackle and is much more of a playmaker who makes things happen and scores beautiful goals – lots of them.
While Sneijder would be a good player for any squad Manchester United may further imbalance their group if they do sign yet another number 10 type. LvG has been trying to offload such players in his short tenure at the club and we would be surprised if he did make a move for Sneijder. He’s one of Holland’s best ever players but he certainly wouldn’t take the place of Rooney behind the striker. And when Wazza is unfit Mata has first dibs on that position.
Sneijder could play further back in the midfield of course and would be a nice addition to the squad. But United surely have more pressing priorities in the market right now.