Friday 5 June 2015 19:42, UK
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier admits that his former club are likely to lose Morgan Schneiderlin this summer, with Manchester United his most suitable destination.
Schneiderlin is subject to transfer speculation for a second successive summer, having been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham 12 months ago, with the Gunners expected to compete with United for his services this time round.
Southampton resisted any move last summer, having already allowed a host of first-team players to depart, but Le Tissier believes the club will not stand in the 25-year-old’s way again.
“It’s probably more likely that he’ll leave than stay,” Le Tissier told Sky Sports. “The big question is whether a top-four side meets his valuation.
“Out of those sides it is Manchester United that need him most as they still require strengthening in that position.
“Schneiderlin is the sort of player they should be looking for, having proven over the last few seasons that he can mix it with the top sides.
“It sounds like they’ve been looking at Schweinsteiger but if they don’t get him then Schneiderlin becomes their number one target."
Southampton allowed Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers to leave for significant transfer fees last summer and Le Tissier thinks the sale of Schneiderlin will represent further good business.
"We paid about £1million for him back in 2008 so with a couple of promotions and another decent transfer fee it certainly represents another good return.
“I think Southampton have always been fair with players and not stood in their way when bigger clubs have met their valuation, which was shown last summer.
“Schneiderlin’s case last summer was under exceptional circumstances as so many players had already left.”