Manchester United Transfer News: Morgan Schneiderlin Deal Imminent, Top Rumours

Manchester United look to have taken the lead in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, with the Frenchman's move to Old Trafford reportedly imminent.

A long-term target for Arsenal and Tottenham, the Gunners have reportedly cooled their interest due to the emergence of Francis Coquelin at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Spurs were ruled out of the race by their lack of Champions League football for next term.

Schneiderlin has often spoken of his desire to play in Europe's top club competition and Southampton have now reportedly "accepted a bid of £20 million from United, rising to £25 million depending on the player's success at Old Trafford," per Jeremy Cross in the Daily Star.

United return to the Champions League in August and will be able to offer Schneiderlin first-team football as an alternative in the deep-lying midfield role to 33-year-old Michael Carrick.

The tables seem to have turned somewhat in United's favour, with Arsenal reportedly in to sign the 25-year-old just a couple of days ago.

Ligue 1 writer Jonathan Johnson is not calling it yet, though, and he still gives the edge to Arsene Wenger at Arsenal:

However, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has a compelling case to offer Schneiderlin. While still fantastic, Carrick is getting on in years, and Schneiderlin could take up the midfield general role at Old Trafford for years to come.

It seems the former Strasbourg man has been won over, with the Mirror's David McDonnell reporting he is set to pen a four-year deal with United in the next week.

Per Cross, Schneiderlin had recently hinted a move away from St Mary's was imminent, and his move to Manchester is expected to see him double his wages to around £120,000 a week:

"The talks are ongoing and should be completed soon. 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 capture of Schneiderlin would seemingly end Van Gaal's reported pursuit of Bastian Schweinsteiger, but Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell reckons the Saints man is the better buy anyway:

Schneiderlin will certainly bring a steel to the centre of United's midfield and a proven quality that he has displayed over the last few years in the Premier League.

He will also settle United fans' nerves over Carrick's potential replacement, as the France international could make the defensive-midfield role at Old Trafford his own for the next seven or eight years. 

Van Persie Considers Future

United striker Robin van Persie said next summer's European Championship will play a big role as he considers his Old Trafford future.

Having previously admitted that he wants to be first choice again at United, Van Persie has once again reiterated that playing himself into form is of the utmost importance.

He spent a lot of last season warming the bench, but with Euro 2016 coming up next year, he will clearly not be satisfied with a similar scenario in the coming term, per Dutch outlet ELF Voetbal (h/t Simon Jones in the Daily Mail):

"

When I signed for United, I knew these kind of (reports) would appear. Next year is the European Championship. That tournament is going to play a big role in the choice I will make. I have to be in my best form (for Euro 2016). But most important is the wish of my wife and children. Whatever I do Bouchra, Shaqueel and Dina Layla are the highest of my priorities. They have to be happy.

"

The 31-year-old Van Persie is reportedly a target for Fenerbahce, but the likes of Lazio and Roma have apparently been put off by his wage demands, per Darren Lewis in the Mirror.

The Dutchman still has a great deal to offer United, but his constant injury issues and the presence of Wayne Rooney mean he may struggle to start every week if he remains at Old Trafford.

If he wants to be in top form for next year's Euros, he may have to force a move away from United, and that will surely mean dropping his wage demands.