Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied making a move to sign Dutch World Cup ace Wesley Sneijder from European champions Internazionale.
The 26-year-old former Ajax and Real Madrid schemer has been one of the players of the tournament in South Africa, sparking talk of a big-money move to Old Trafford later this summer.
However, Ferguson told the Sunday Mail:"I believe the squad is stronger than last season, with the younger players having another year under their belts.
"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?"
Inter president Massimo Moratti had previously told Sky Sport Italia: "The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real, but I didn't look into it in an attempt not to fall into temptation."
Sneijder himself pledged to remain at the San Siro, even if a bid from United was eventually forthcoming.
He added:"It is correct that Manchester United have approached Inter about my availability, but I don't have the intention to leave Inter any time soon.
"My heart is with Inter. I've won almost everything with Inter that we could win last year and I'm looking forward to winning even more titles here.
"I have set my sights on the Italian Super Cup, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. Therefore, I will stay at Inter."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email