Man United Told To Pay £30m For Arsenal Target, Player Confirms Move Possible

Morgan Schneiderlin is a man in demand this summer. The 25-year-old came close to joining Tottenham last summer only for Southampton to block a move at the last moment. Since then, the French International’s stock has only risen higher. After initially expressing his disappointment at having failed to move last summer, much to the chagrin of the Saints faithful, he set about making amends by giving dominating performances week-in,week-out last season, and ultimately guided the South Coast club to their highest ever standing in the league.

However, amid reports of Arsenal’s and Manchester United’s interest, he was widely tipped to depart Saint Mary’s this summer. He was deemed to have outgrown the club and had publicly expressed his desire to play Champions League football.

In the last few days, Arsenal’s interest in the player has seemingly died down, thus paving the way for United to get their man. The Daily Mail has now reported that the Saints will not stand in the way of the player moving to Old Trafford this summer provided United shell out £30 million for his services.

The Red Devils have had an initial bid of £20 million rejected by Southampton earlier in the summer. Saints manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the news yesterday , stating :

“Every player has his price and we have a good experience of selling players . If there is interest in Morgan Schneiderlin, then okay, but it has to be at a price that the club wants.”

Revealing details about United’s earlier bid , Koeman was quoted as saying :

“Two weeks ago we had a bid from Manchester United. It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t serious. And no more bids up to today,”

He further added:

“I know the situation. I spoke a lot with Morgan. Last season we said stop all this business with Morgan because we are not selling any more players.”

Koeman further went on to laud the player for his professionalism in dealing with his disappointment of ffailing to move last summer by adding:

“That was difficult but he came back after a few days with good motivation and he had a great season. But we know the situation. There is a lot of interest in the player.

With a club like Man United, we know it is difficult to keep the player. If they pay, okay, he can make the transfer. But I hope if there is any business that it’s soon, because that’s best for the player and for us.”

Clear words from the Southampton manager imploring Red Devils to stump out the required price to get their man.

He further stated:

“It is important for the player to do a good pre-season. We have to prepare for what we’d have to do if we sell the player. We will see what happens in the next few days. I don’t talk about money, about numbers. It’s not my business. It’s up to the club.”

United fans will be hoping that following these words , the club can move swiftly to secure the highly rated midfielder’s signature. He certainly fits the bill as a strong , tough tackling midfielder, the likes of which the club has been missing since Roy Keane departed.

With 79 tackles last season , Schneiderlin was way ahead of his Manchester United counterparts in that tally , and United will be hoping he could provide the steely presence and defensive platform on which the creative duo of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata can etch their masterpiece.