Manchester United Transfer News: Rio Ferdinand Fuels Morgan Schneiderlin Rumours

Manchester United club legend Rio Ferdinand has fuelled rumours that Morgan Schneiderlin is due to sign for the Red Devils, saying, "It looks like it is going to be done."

Will Giles of Metro.co.uk quoted the former England captain speaking about the Southampton midfielder's prospective move to Old Trafford on his YouTube channel:

"

He’s a player who could add something to United, a bit of steel, can pass the ball and play it through the lines from back to front. 

I think he’s a good player, a good addition to the squad, especially if someone like [Michael] Carrick, who is so influential for United, gets injured. 

I think this guy can step in and help buffer that. I think he’s a very good, talented player.

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The player has been a target for many of the top teams in the Premier League, with rumours United are ready to make their move.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman has hinted the north-west giants have sounded him out about the player, but he is prepared to play the waiting game, as reported by Colin Harvey of the Daily Star. "We have the situation with Morgan Schneiderlin, we will have to wait [to see] what will happen," Koeman said. "Until now, we have not had a serious bid for him from Manchester United."

Koeman's wording is interesting, using the phrase "serious bid" without fully confirming talks with Louis van Gaal. However, Ferdinand's feeling that a deal is almost done gives the potential transfer even more credibility.

Harvey reports Koeman wants roughly £25 million for his marquee player, and in today's market, that price could be deemed as value for money. The France international has excellent acumen at the Premier League level, and at 25 years old, he has years ahead of him and time to further improve. 

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Schneiderlin was the catalyst behind much of Southampton's brilliant run in the EPL last term, featuring in 26 matches and scoring four times, per WhoScored.com.

His defensive qualities are balanced with a box-to-box engine, and he is just the type of player United are crying out for.

Importantly, his value is well within United's preferred price range and one of the biggest clubs in the world should have enough pull to get him.

United to Get Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger?

With tennis high on the agenda of every British sports fan at present, both Schneiderlin and Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger have been spotted in London attending Wimbledon—placing them at the heart of the capital, where much of United's financial business is conducted.

Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News speculated that Van Gaal could sign the pair, even though they play in very similar positions on the park.

Mathieson also quoted Schneiderlin namedropping the German when describing his favourite players, seeing the Bayern veteran as a "role model" footballer:

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Everybody praises Xavi, Busquets, Scholes, Schweinsteiger. Why? Wait, I’m not comparing myself to them, they are all extraordinary players, but I try to imitate what makes the best players.

They make [10-yard] passes and they run, run and run again. They make short passes to start a movement and they create something. Some might say that I’m something hidden in the shadow. I love to make good passes and move on the field.

"

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With eight Bundesliga titles to his name, Schweini would bring experience and knowledge to United's midfield, which has been littered with the likes of Anderson and Tom Cleverley in recent incarnations. 

Indeed, both the German and Schneiderlin are very similar in their approach, but depending on Van Gaal's formation for next season, both could be vital squad components.

At 30 years old, there is still plenty left in Schweinsteiger's tank, and he would help alleviate the over-reliance on Michael Carrick—who is three years older.

United need a fierce and intelligent midfield for next season, and with pre-season around the corner, Van Gaal needs to get his business done as quickly as possible.