Southampton admit Sneijder interest but can't afford playmaker

Published Dec. 18, 2014 10:03 a.m. ET

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Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has denied the club are closing in on a deal for Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in January and reports on Wednesday night suggested Saints were in pole position for his signature.

However, Koeman refuted the speculation on Thursday afternoon, claiming the south coast club cannot afford Sneijder.

He told reporters: "I'm interested, but I know we can't pay him. There's nothing in it."

Sneijder moved to Galatasaray in January 2013 following a three-and-a-half-year spell with Inter, where he helped Jose Mourinho's side lift the Champions League.

Manchester United have also been credited with a long-standing interest in the Netherlands international.

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