Sneijder almost certain he will stay

Wesley Sneijder is "90% certain" he will remain at Inter Milan during the current transfer window despite renewed speculation over alleged interest from Manchester United.

Sneijder, 27, was heavily linked with a move to United last summer but a transfer failed to materialise, following suggestions the Premier League champions were unwilling to match the Dutchman's wage demands.

But, in light of United's recent dip in form that has seen them lose back-to-back league matches, conjecture has been reignited that they could be back in for Sneijder, amid calls for Sir Alex Ferguson to strengthen his midfield.

However, Sneijder told Voetbal International: "If I must give a percentage for it, I think I am 90% certain I will stay [until at least the summer].

"I enjoy myself here at the moment and at this point I don't have anything to choose from. I don't say that I am 100% certain, because something unexpected can always happen."

Diouf tempted by Wigan loan

Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf has admitted that a loan move to Wigan Athletic is a tempting proposition.

Diouf, 24, has struggled for regular first-team football at United this season, making just three Carling Cup appearances such is the competition for striking places at the club.

The Senegal international spent last campaign on loan at Blackburn, where he scored three times in 27 Premier League matches, and he admits another temporary spell away from Old Trafford could benefit him.

"It is an option at the moment and a good one. I want to go and play week in, week out and try to impress Sir Alex Ferguson," he toldskysports.com.

"If I can finish the season strongly, I can challenge for a position next season like Danny [Welbeck] has done this season.

"Wigan could be a key for me. I have done okay for Blackburn, but need to do well on my next loan. There are other teams interested as well."

Ferguson: Advantage to Manchester City

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is no need to panic after his side's 3-0 loss to Newcastle, but does admit Premier League title rivals Manchester City are now in the box seat.

Ferguson watched on as United were kept three points behind City in the league table, after Roberto Mancini's side cruised to a home victory over Liverpool on Tuesday. However, the Scot is remaining calm despite a second successive league defeat.

"Advantage to them [City] of course," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "They played yesterday and got the three points, and we played today and didn't manage to win - so of course they have the advantage. It's not a time to panic - we have the experience to cope with that.

"Losing a game at this time of the year, you don't want it, but it sometimes can happen - you have seen some of the results recently. But obviously, we need to get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March and April."

Ferguson also conceded that Newcastle striker Demba Ba was too much of a "handful" for his side. Ba got the ball rolling as Alan Pardew's side claimed the victory, punishing Rio Ferdinand for some sloppy defending as he volleyed past Anders Lindegaard.

Strike partner Shola Ameobi also played a key role in the build-up to the goal - flicking onTim Krul's deep free-kick - and Ferguson acknowledged after the game that the two powerful strikers had caused his side huge problems, before Yohan Cabaye's free-kick extinguished their hopes of coming away with something.

"They are very strong, big aggressive lads," Ferguson said. "They didn't tear us apart but they were a handful.

"The story of the game was they had two fantastic strikes which put them in the driving seat. The second one was a killer for us, it was a marvellous strike.

"But we didn't make enough of our possession of the ball anyway. It was one of those nights."

Young & Jones Facing Layoffs

Manchester United are set to be without Phil Jones and Ashley Young for a number of weeks after both players picked up injuries in the victory over Fulham, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

Ferguson revealed he expects winger Young to be out for two to three weeks following an injury picked up in the 5-0 away win on Wednesday.

As yet the injury remains unspecified but, regardless, it is blow for United that winger Young joins their increasing injury list.

"The tackle on Ashley Young was a very aggressive tackle and I will have to see that again,'' Ferguson told MUTV. "Fulham were very aggressive in the second half and Ashley Young has paid the price for that. He has got a sore one so will be out for two to three weeks."

Young was only brought on at Craven Cottage as a substitute for Jones, who was forced off in the first half after a clash with Clint Dempsey.

The youngster will go for an X-ray on Thursday, but is expected to miss six weeks if initial fears about a facial injury are confirmed.

"On Phil Jones it was an elbow from Dempsey, but I don't think it was intentional. But he caught him with an elbow," Ferguson added.

"We are sending him for an X-ray tomorrow and it doesn't look great. We are picking up injuries at the moment."

Ferguson also confirmed Rio Ferdinand missed the clash due to a foot injury. The defender will miss the Boxing Day clash with Wigan, but is expected to be fit for the New Years Eve match against Blackburn.

Ajax Starlet Eriksen 'on United's Radar'

Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has admitted the club are keeping a close eye on Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, amid speculation the Premier League champions will bring in reinforcements in January.

United have seen their numbers depleted over recent weeks by a spate of injuries and are expected to dip into the market during the winter transfer window.

An attacking midfielder top of the list and 19-year-old Eriksen, whom United have long been linked with, fits the bill.

"This is a player that is on our radar," Meulensteen admitted to Voetbal International. "But that is to be expected. If people weren't looking, no-one would ever have an opinion on these players.

"It is true that a player like Eriksen would fit our transfer policy. He is being strongly linked with us, but to suggest that we are about to make a move is not true."

However, the Denmark international's agent was quick to point out that Eriksen will not be rushed into any potential move and attempted to play down the speculation that surrounds his client's future.

"Christian must weigh up every step he takes in his career," said Martin Schoots.

"He gave a lot of thought to joining Ajax. Last summer he could have gone to England, and a German club was very keen, but he passed the opportunity up.

"He has signed a contract at Ajax and a transfer is not an issue at the moment."

Cleverley Won't Set Return Date

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley says he is not setting any targets over his return from injury, despite the lack of options for Sir Alex Ferguson in his position.

Cleverley, 22, is recovering from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since October, with United also without the injured Anderson and Darren Fletcher, who this week was forced to take an extended break from the game after a lengthy battle with ulcerative cilotis, an inflammatory bowel condition.

A tough Christmas period is always draining on resources, but Cleverley is not able to boost Fergie's squad by setting a return date yet.

"The injury is not bad, I am just working hard with the physios and doing what they tell me at the minute," Cleverley told Sky Sports. "I am in the gym just working hard really to try and get back fit."

Asked if he could be back for the busy festive period, Cleverley added: "I am not too sure about that. We are not looking to put any time limits or set targets just yet. I am just working hard looking after the injury and I am sure we will set targets in a couple of weeks."

Cleverley established himself as a regular in the starting XI before his injury and admits that it is a frustrating time.

He continued: "It's always frustrating for a footballer to get injured, but when you are in good form and when your team is winning it is doubly frustrating. It has been a bit of tearing my hair out stage for me as I just want to be playing all the time."

Premier League - Papers: United to sign Gaitan

Manchester United are on the brink of tying up a deal to sign Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan for a fee of £29.3 million, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Not a paper to be as flippant with its rumours as some of the tabloids, the Telegraph says that the deal will only be completed in the summer despite United's injury problems in midfield.

The 23-year-old Argentina international has been targeted by both Internazionale and Paris St. Germain which has prompted United to act fast and strike an "informal agreement" with Benfica.

Benfica initially wanted £38 million for the player, who can play as an attacking midfielder or left-sided forward, but United insisted they would not go that high. However they have agreed to the Portuguese side's demand to keep Gaitan until the end of the season.

Gaitan's former club Boca Juniors will receive 20 per cent of any transfer fee.

The Telegraph also claims that United are monitoring another Benfica midfielder in the shape of the more defensively-minded Javi Garcia.