Manchester City have entered talks with Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder.The Sun says Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is desperate to bolster his injury-stricken squad in the new year and is understood to be interested in a deal to bring his Dutch compatriot to Old Trafford.

However his hopes of landing Sneijder may have been dealt a blow, with reports suggesting the 30-year-old is in talks to join United's local rivals City.

Sneijder's agent, Guido Albers, held talks with City bosses in Manchester yesterday in an attempt to strike a deal.

Turkish giants Gala are in the midst of a financial crisis and are willing to accept a cut-price £9m for their star midfielder.

Sneijder's current contract contains a £12m release clause - but Gala will allow him to leave for much less in a bid to get him off the wage bill.