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Sneijder linked with Aston Villa move

Friday 14 August 2009 13:02 BST
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Sneijder will find it tough to gain a place in Madrid's side this season
Sneijder will find it tough to gain a place in Madrid's side this season

Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder has reiterated his desire to stay at Real Madrid and fight for a future at the Bernabeu.

The 25-year-old appears to be surplus to requirements at Real, with both Internazionale and Aston Villa showing an interest in the gifted former Ajax schemer.

Sneijder told ATP: “I want to fight for my place at Real Madrid despite there being a lot of rivalry.

“On Thursday I will be in Madrid again, so I will find out more then.

“I don't want to leave Real. I know the transfer market is open for another two weeks, but I am still thinking the same about things.”

Sneijder joined Real two years ago and has since scored 11 goals in 61 league and European appearances for the Spanish giants.

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Real after missing Portugal's midweek friendly against Liechtenstein.

The £80m winger sat out the midweek friendly with a bout of flu, but returned to training with the Spanish club on Thursday.

The World and European football of the year took part in a light training session alongside Marcelo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Sergio Ramos, Christoph Metzelder and Alvaro Negredo, who are all recovering from injury.

Ronaldo is expected to return to full training with the first-team squad next week.

Elsewhere, Rafael Marquez has urged Barcelona to open negotiations with him over a new contract.

The Mexico international has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal at the Camp Nou and is desperate to sit down with the club's hierarchy to discuss his future.

"I want I will renew with Barcelona for three more years but there is nothing concrete yet," he said.

"I think it is because they (the club) are trying to sign more players. They are more worried about that than about us.

"I say us because (captain) Carlos Puyol has not renewed either and I believe we are two important pieces in the team."

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