Wesley Sneijder has pledged his future to Internazionale despite Manchester United declaring an interest in luring the Dutchman to the Premier League, with the Italian and European champions confident of securing him to new terms at San Siro.
The Holland playmaker will confront Spain in Sunday's World Cup final level with David Villa as the tournament's leading goalscorer with each having found the net five times. Sneijder's performances both under José Mourinho at Inter last season – where he claimed the Coppa Italia, Serie A title and the European Cup – and in South Africa had prompted United to approach the Italian club regarding his potential availability.
The Inter president, Massimo Moratti, has since stressed that Sneijder is not for sale, with the former Real Madrid player's agent, Soren Lerby, suggesting a meeting would take place after the finals to discuss a new contract at the club. Sneijder is due to be married on 18 July but will then open discussions with Moratti and the new manager, Rafael Benítez, who left Liverpool in June, over a deal to run to 2015 having expressed his desire to remain in Italy.
"I have a very good feeling at Inter and I don't want to let them down after winning everything and losing Mourinho," said Sneijder. "My goal is to be as successful next year with the new coach. I'm not surprised by the interest [from United] because I've been playing well, but my intention is to stay at Inter. I want to talk with them later this month about extending my contract."
United were understood to be considering a bid of around €35m (£29m) for the 26-year-old, whose displays in South Africa have been instrumental in propelling the Dutch to their third World Cup final and their first since 1978. The former Ajax player is only 12 months into the five-year contract signed after his €18m (£15m) move from Real Madrid last summer.
A deal would have represented a healthy profit for Inter, though the Italian champions have not been tempted.
"The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real, but I didn't look into it in an attempt not to fall into temptation," said Moratti earlier this week. "I am following him at the World Cup and I think I will do the same also at Inter for the next years."
