Manchester United Transfer News: Top Morgan Schneiderlin, Ilkay Gundogan Rumours

Manchester United are "interested" in completing a deal for destructive Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, according to reports.

The Daily Star (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro) cites a "source close to the club" when suggesting the Red Devils are contemplating a move for the Frenchman. "Yes, we are interested in Morgan," said the source, per Sanderson. "But no deal is imminent."

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United fans will no doubt need something more concrete before getting excited, however. Jack Wilson of the Star suggests Schneiderlin has "told friends he wants to join Manchester United" when reporting comments from the player:

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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. If I leave Southampton, it is for a club that plays better than the Europa League. There are ongoing discussions but nothing is done. But of course the Champions League is my goal. If I leave Southampton it will be for a club in the Champions League.

"

By this rationale, Schneiderlin appears eager to leave Saints for only United, Chelsea, Manchester City or Arsenal. Sanderson believes all but City are "keen." B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed whether Schneiderlin would be an upgrade for United:

United's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has also received a boost after the player's talks with Bayern Munich "ended," as Bild reported (h/t Sport Witness).

It is indicated Gundogan's family asked for too much money and that Bayern boss Pep Guardiola isn't overly keen on the player, per Sport Witness. Bundesliga specialists Clark Whitney and Jan Aage Fjortoft provided further information:

United boss Louis van Gaal has confirmed he wants "two players for every position," as reported by Ben Hibbs and Stewart Gardner of the club's official website. He needs an alternative to Michael Carrick in midfield—someone who can dictate possession and the tempo of United's play—a position Gundogan could fill.

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He isn't as combative as Schneiderlin, whose quality on the ball is underrated due to his size and physical presence. Both can keep things ticking over.

While Schneiderlin is better-equipped to provide an effective defensive shield, Gundogan is the more creative star. Both could become key players for Van Gaal, who continually altered his midfield during Carrick's injury problems in the 2014-15 campaign.

Van Gaal may offload Tom Cleverley—who recently enjoyed a successful loan spell with Aston Villa—on a permanent basis, making midfield requirements more prominent. Amy Lewis of Sky Sports provided an update on Cleverley's future:

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It's vital Van Gaal brings in quantity and quality during the summer. United's squad needs to be robust enough to challenge across four fronts and cut the gap on Premier League champions Chelsea.

The aim should be to land silverware and retain United's presence in the Champions League next season, having managed the latter during Van Gaal's first campaign.

Schneiderlin and Gundogan could fulfil similar duties in different styles, no doubt making them both attractive to United fans.