Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has hinted that he would like to sign Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

O'Neill has been linked with the Holland international over the course of the summer, as his place at Real looks increasingly uncertain.

Real have spent millions bolstering their squad with Xabi Alonso, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka all arriving - making it unclear where Sneijder could feature.

Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, has made it clear that the Spanish giants have told him that they want to keep the 25-year-old.

But with Inter Milan also linked, it seems Real could be ready to allow Sneijder, amongst others, to leave.

And O'Neill admits he needs to be interested in players of the calibre of the former Ajax player.

"I think that the more creativity you have in your side the better chance you will have," the Villa manager said.

"These are particularly special players who are not (generally) available.

"If there were players like Sneijder, who have great talent and might be surplus to requirements at a club that is buying (new players), then I think you should be interested, even if that interest is not reciprocated. Because how else are you going to try and improve your team?"