Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Southampton midfielder, Morgan Schneiderlin. The talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with United in pole position to beat Arsenal to the midfielder’s signature.

Southampton have reportedly accepted a bid of £20m from United, a fee which will rise to £25m depending on his success at Old Trafford. Schneiderlin said: “The talks are ongoing and should be completed soon.”

United have been on the lookout for a defensive midfielder for years, attempting to fill the void left by Scholes and the inevitable departure of Carrick who is nearing the age of 34. Schneiderlin can certainly perform in the deep-lying midfield role, and LvG believes he is the man to replace Carrick. United have apparently been chasing Schneiderlin for the best part of six months, and have joined Arsenal in the hunt for the Frenchman.

A number of midfielders have been linked with a move to United already this summer, the most recent of these being in the shape of Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger. However it is thought that Louis van Gaal has ended his interest in the German star and will now set his sights on the Saints midfielder.

The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal at Southampton, but the midfielder has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League. He is also expected to double his wages if he signs for Manchester United.

“I think my decision is made. The goal is to stay in England. It is a championship that I like and where I have a lot of fun.”

“Of course the Champions League is my goal. If I leave Southampton it will be for a club in the Champions League.” The Frenchman said earlier in the month.