Sneijder reports put to silence by boss

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected claims that he is nearing a deal to bring Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United.

Throughout United's pre-season tour of North America, Ferguson has consistently rejected any talk that Sneijder is set to leave Inter Milan.

On Saturday, chief executive David Gill said there was "nothing imminent".

However, quotes attributed to Ferguson released overnight indicate talks have taken place and Sneijder has been presented with a take-it-or-leave-it offer.

"If he wants to come, he must accept our contract offer. If not we have other options in mind. We are done talking," Ferguson is reported as saying by the Mail on Sunday.

But after the 2-1 win over Barcelona at FedEx Field, Ferguson denied the story.

"Absolute nonsense," said the Scot. "I have never discussed him. There is nothing new."

Ferguson is clearly unhappy with the story and emphasised his desire to find a replacement for Paul Scholes from within his present squad by talking up the performance of England Under-21 midfielder Tom Cleverley.

"It an area we have to find a solution for," he said.

"That is why we played Tom Cleverley today. Physically he is not the strongest but he is wiry and has a great idea of the game.

"He is a good footballer and was our best player today.

"His discipline was terrific. He is a quick passer of the ball. He has good eyes.

"It was a big night for him. He is a big, strong possibility for us to start the season."