It is no secret Morgan Schneiderlin wanted to leave Southampton in favour of UEFA Champions League football over the summer.
The France international, 24, was hoping to become the Saints’ sixth major sale following the departures Adam Lallana, Calum Chambers, Dejan Lovren Luke Shaw, and Rickie Lambert.
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were both interested in Schneiderlin, but Spurs were seen as favourites to land the Frenchman.
After all, Tottenham are now managed by Mauricio Pochettino, who worked with the player during a successful first season at St Mary’s.
However, Southampton were not willing to sell to Pochettino, leaving Schneiderlin with little choice, but to remain in Hampshire.
“My objective at the end of last season was to play in the Champions League this term,” the 24-year-old told L’Equipe.
“Those are the matches that help you to improve. But playing in the Premier League also allows you to play against Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and they are big matches also.
“I can’t get annoyed with it. I have to achieve the best possible season at Southampton and keep performing at the same level.
“In my body, I feel better as a footballer. I feel I will go on improving.”
Schneiderlin has scored two goals–equaling his total from all of last season–in three English Premier League appearances for the Saints in 2014/15.
Powell happy with loan move
Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell has revealed he is absolutely delighted to have joined Leicester City on a season-long loan deal.
The England Under-21 international , who spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, secured a temporary move to Leicester on deadline day.
Since arriving from Crewe Alexandra for £4 million in 2012, Powell has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular at Old Trafford, despite scoring on his English Premier League debut against Wigan.
“I was on to my agent all day and he is probably sick of my voice, but I am glad it is done,” Powell told the Leicester Mercury.
“I tried to push it through with my agent because I wanted regular football, to be more involved in the Premier League, and we thought we would get a better opportunity here.
“I am here to get some experience and improve. I could have gone into the Championship and played week in and week out, but the Premier League is the next step and Leicester have given me that opportunity.
“I have to earn my place in the team first because it isn’t given to you. That is the first step.
“It is a good squad, powerful, pacy, well-structured and organised.
“I am hoping to do well in the Premier League and help Leicester stay up.”
Powell tallied 12 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, including three in six UEFA Europa League matches, for Wigan last season.
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