By FRANCO PANIZO

If Wesley Sneijder is on the verge of joining Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson has his best poker face on.

Amid reports that Manchester United is close to signing Sneijder, Ferguson denied the deal, stating that he doesn't believe Inter Milan is ready to sell the Dutch international. A deal worth a $56.5 million is reported to be in the works, but Ferguson said there's "absolutely nothing at all to that." 

Inter has insisted that Sneijder, a vital member of the team that won the 2010 Champions League, is not for sale. However, rumors continue to swirl that the club is open to making a sale as it pursues the signing of Javier Pastore.

Here are more stories from Thursday:

DIOUF ABSENT FROM ROVERS PRE-SEASON PREPARATIONS

Controversial striker El-Hadji Diouf has once again turned up in the headlines for the wrong reasons. Diouf did not make Blackburn Rovers' pre-season trip to Austria, and the club has no idea where he is or why he didn't show up. It is believed that Blackburn is open to selling the Senegalese player, who spent the second half of last season with Rangers.

VIEIRA RETIRES, TAKES ON NEW ROLE WITH CITY

French midfielder Patrick Vieira has retired and become a football development executive for Manchester City. The 35-year-old, who was not offered a new deal as a player when his contract with City expired earlier this summer, is eager to tackle his new position with the club. Vieira puts an end to a career that saw him win 107 caps for France, the 1998 World Cup, the 2000 Euro Cup, three Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

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Do you think Ferguson is telling the truth about the Sneijder situation? Where do you think Diouf is (vacationing)? What moment in Vieira's career stands out the most to you?

Share your thoughts below.