Manchester United deny making Sneijder bid

Sneijder has been a star of the tournament (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has not made a bid for Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

The 26-year-old Inter Milan playmaker has been one of the stars of the World Cup in South Africa, scoring five goals to help Bert van Marwijk's side to secure a spot in tonight's final against Spain at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Reports suggested Ferguson had made a £30million bid for Sneijder, with the former Real Madrid star turning the move down, but the Scot, who is preparing to fly out for United's pre-season tour of Canada, America and Mexico, has rubbished such speculation.

"I believe the squad is stronger than last season with the younger players having another year under their belts," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"I don't know where those reports about Sneijder came from. How can anybody turn me down when I haven't even made a bid?"

Ferguson has also rejected talk that he will make a move for young Germany start Mesut Ozil, who was outstanding as Joachim Low's side dismantled England and Argentina on their way to the semi-finals.

But one man who thinks Sneijder would be an ideal signing for Ferguson is his international team-mate Arjen Robben, who has labelled his compatriot as "the best player in the world".

The Bayern Munich winger believes Sneijder could be the natural successor to Paul Scholes in the United midfield.

The former Chelsea man told the Daily Star Sunday: "Sneijder for me is the best player in the world over the last 12 months. (Lionel) Messi is clearly a fantastic talent but it's almost too easy to say he is the best now.

"I personally think there is a very good chance he will join Man United.

"I am a big admirer of Paul Scholes, he is one of the best players of his generation and I honestly think Sneijder is the only player in the world capable of replacing him."