Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim has told Wesley Sneijder he must look at the club “not as an alternative, but as a first choice” as the Inter Milan midfielder decides on his future.

PA PhotosSneijder is on his way from Inter

Inter have accepted an offer from the Turkish club for the 28-year-old Netherlands international, but the player has told reporters he is in no rush to make a decision.

Liverpool are among several other clubs rumoured to be interested, and Sneijder said: “There are still two weeks to go before the end of the transfer window, so there is time. I am relaxed, and I’m considering my options.”

But Terim was quick to emphasise the stature of the Istanbul club, saying: “If Sneijder wants to come to Galatasaray then he must see us as a first choice.

“This club is not anyone’s plaything. Those who play here do not see Galatasaray as an alternative, but as a first choice. Otherwise, one must step aside.”

It is believed that, as part of the deal struck between Galatasaray and Inter, a €5 million penalty clause would come into effect if Sneijder signed for a different club during the January window.