Manchester United enter race to sign Arsenal midfield target Morgan Schneiderlin

Manchester United have made an audacious attempt to hijack Arsenal's bid to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Frenchman, with Arsene Wenger having earmarked the player as the man to marshal his midfield alongside the plethora of midfield players he already has at his disposal.

However, Louis van Gaal, having been served a fatal blow in his pursuit of Ilkay Gundogan wants to bring Schneiderlin to the United midfield to act as cover for Michael Carrick, who has been a major injury worry this season.

Tottenham have already been linked with a move for the player but the 25-year-old has specifically mentioned his desire to play for a club in the Champions League, which rules them out of contention.

"I learned a lot last season. 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," Schneiderlin said.

"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."

The midfielder is expected to be available for a fee in the range of £25m and will add some much needed steel in the United midfield which has been easily bypassed at times this season.

Schneiderlin's passing range and his ability to snuff out danger will give United's defence a breather, which is likely to be under bigger pressure next season after the reported departure of David de Gea to Real Madrid.

Arsenal were in pole position to sign the player and Wenger has to dig deep if they have to get back into the race, especially given United's financial superiority and their transfer kitty for this summer.