Southampton F.C. midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has revealed that he will only leave St Mary’s for UEFA Champions League football.
The France international, who joined Southampton from Strasbourg for a fee of just over £1 million in the summer of 2008, was hoping to leave the club last summer but no deal materialised.
Schneiderlin is now said to be attracting interest from North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window in July.
However, Schneiderlin has made it clear Spurs is not an option, insisting he will only leave the Saints for Champions League football.
“I think my decision is made. I learned a lot last season,” Schneiderlin told French radio station RMC. “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. I have a two-year contract. If a club pays the right amount for me, it will be time to leave.
“The amount? I have no idea, but I will not leave for a small price. Southampton is known to be a good seller club, the price should be high enough.”
Arsenal are priced at 5/6 to be Schneiderlin’s next permanent club.
Otamendi wants to leave Valencia
The agent of Valencia CF defender Nicolas Otamendi, Eugenio Lopez, has revealed that the player wants to leave the Mestalla this summer.
Otamendi, 27, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since January but the Spanish side are reportedly seeking a whopping £36 million for the 27-year-old.
“Nico wants to leave Valencia and is going to do everything possible to achieve it,” Lopez told Radio Valencia Cadena Ser.
“Nicolas told [executive president] Amadeo Salvo to his face two months ago, it surprises me that it is said that [sporting director] Rufete knew nothing. Or he lied or there is a lack of communication.
“In these cases the will of the player is very important.”
Reports are suggesting United are preparing to submit a bid for Otamendi in the coming days. However, the bid is not expected to match the €50 million release clause in the player’s contract.
Otamendi scored six goals in 35 La Liga appearances for Valencia in 2014/15.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
