Manchester United are confident that they can pip rivals Arsenal to the signature of Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, and believe a deal can be wrapped up within the next few weeks.
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According to The Sun, the Gunners have missed out on the chance of signing the France international – who was linked with a transfer to the Emirates in the January window [The Telegraph] – as Louis van Gaal closes in on his second signing of the summer following Memphis Depay’s arrival.
The British newspaper state that Old Trafford officials are optimistic that Schneiderlin will be a confirmed Red Devils player before the start of their pre-season tour of America, which kicks off July 17th.
At 25-years-old, Schneiderlin would arguably be an improved prospect to rumoured target Bastian Schweinsteiger [Daily Star]. The Bayern Munich midfielder – at 30 – would not only be a gamble signing given the Premier League is perhaps a top flight unsuited to a player reaching the twilight years of his professional career, but isn’t likely to be a long-term replacement to the injury-plagued Michael Carrick, 33.
Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has recommended that Schweinsteiger ignores the attention from England, and instead remains in the Bundesliga for two or three more seasons [ESPN].
The Frenchman moved to St Mary’s from French fallen giants Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace in a £1.2 million deal in June 2008. He has since made 250 appearances for the Saints, and has been a key figure over the past few seasons, as the Saints have become one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League with his performances in midfield not going unnoticed.