Sir Alex Ferguson wants Holland midfielder Sneijder as the ideal replacement for Paul Scholes – he even made an approach last summer but was turned down – while neighbours Manchester City are also considering a bid.
But Hiddink, whose advisers are planning talks with Chelsea and the Turkish FA in a bid to gain his release from the last year of his contract over there, has told Chelsea that World Cup star Sneijder, 26, is the man to revitalise them. The player, who is keen on a move to England, is valued at about £30million by Inter. That will not deter any of the three clubs who want him, but Hiddink hopes his influence on his fellow Dutchman can swing the balance.
A major stumbling block has been his £175,000-a-week wages, which make him the best-paid player in Italy
That will water the eyes of Old Trafford accountants, but can be matched by Abramovich and City’s Abu Dhabi owners.
Chelsea’s other targets are more modest, with Anderlecht youngster Romelu Lukaku, Ajax defender Gregory van der Weil and Brazilian Neymar on the wishlist.
But if Sneijder also arrives, it could still mean a spend of £80m.
Hiddink has been advising Abramovich on recruitment prior to his likely arrival, although last night the Turkish Federation denied a deal had been agreed.
Spokesman Turker Tozar said: “There is nothing official happening because both parties are away. Mr Hiddink is on holiday and our president is on holiday for a week.”
The Turks want £4m in compensation, which Chelsea are reluctant to pay. But Hiddink does not want to walk out on Turkey, so negotiations are ongoing.
Anderlecht striker Lukaku has long been a target. He has visited Chelsea and spoken of his admiration for Didier Drogba.
Lukaku, 18, said last week he would only leave to join one of the Premier League’s top three, and on Sunday the £15m-rated striker wrote in an autograph book that, “My dream is to play for Chelsea”.
Lukaku complimented another young fan, who was wearing Blues kit, with: “Nice shirt!” He said: “I know what I want to do, but I can’t speak about it yet.”
Striker Gokhan Tore has become the Blues’ third player to join Hamburg in a week.
Former Chelsea director of football Frank Arnesen, now with the German club, moved for Turkey star Tore, 19. Arnesen has also signed defender Michael Mancienne, 23, as well as midfielder Jacopo Sala, 19
