Morgan Schneiderlin: News, Rumours, Speculation Surrounding Southampton Star

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is one of the Premier League's most highly rated players, and it seems that Chelsea are set to join Manchester United and Arsenal in the race to sign him up this summer.  

According to Dominic Fifield of The Guardian, the Blues had scouts watching the Frenchman—along with team-mate Nathaniel Clyne—as Saints lost 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Schneiderlin was convinced to stay at St. Mary's last summer despite widespread speculation that he would move on, and he has had another terrific season as Saints have defied lowly pre-season expectations.

However, a recent dip in form has seen them drop to seventh, and a top-four finish seems highly unlikely now, potentially a blow, as the 25-year-old Schneiderlin has previously expressed a desire to play Champions League football, per L'Equipe (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express): 

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In August, I wanted to take a move but the club had lost too many players to agree to sell me. Since then I have had discussions with the leaders and I want to play at the highest level: it is important at 25 years old to finally know the Champions League. Given that, late in the season, Southampton may qualify for the Champions League and I can stay, who knows. I have no desire to be in front of my TV on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"

As B/R UK's James McNicholas notes below, Schneiderlin is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and he would be worth every penny of his reported £27 million valuation:

Chelsea already have quality in the middle of the park—see Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas—but fatigue has seen a slight drop in form at the end of the season, and Schneiderlin would be a fine addition to the Blues squad.

Saints look highly unlikely to keep their main man this summer, but with Chelsea entering the race, a transfer battle looks set to be on between the Premier League's top clubs.