Sneijder rumored for Chelsea move in mid-season: Report

ISTANBUL

Wesley Sneijder during a Turkish Super Leaugue game against Sivasspor. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GÜREL

Star Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder who caused a sensation when he joined Galatasaray during last year’s mid-season transfer window, may join Chelsea in January, Spain’s popular sports daily Marca has claimed.
 
The rumor was confirmed by the Netherlands’ coach Louis van Gaal, who also gave his blessing for the potential move ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next summer. “I know Chelsea and [the club’s coach] Jose Mourinho want Sneijder,” Van Gaal said, according to the British sports radio Talksport.
 
“In my opinion, if possible, Sneijder should leave Galatasaray and join Chelsea. Playing under Mourinho again would improve his performances and help him regain his form for the national team.”
 
The rumor comes as Roberto Mancini, freshly appointed the Istanbul club’s new coach replacing Fatih Terim, expressed his hopes to improve Sneijder’s preparation. Since his arrival, the former Real Madrid and Inter player’s was constantly under criticism amid repeated speculations of problems with Terim.
 
Reports claim that Mourinho called his former pupil last week to convince him for a move to London, to which Sneijder responded positively.
 
Meanwhile, Turkish sports daily Fotomaç claimed that Galatasaray is hinting to replace Sneijder with another star player, Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Nani. The double defending champions are using their Ivorian legend, Didier Drogba’s influence to try to sign the 26-year-old during the mid-season transfer season, the daily said.