Manchester United hopeful of Morgan Schneiderlin transfer citing good relations with Southampton

Manchester United are hopeful that they can complete the signing of Morgan Schneiderlin this summer without much opposition from Southampton given their good relations with the club, according to the Daily Mail.

The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Luke Shaw from the Saints last summer for a sizeable fee and are on Nathaniel Clyne's case this summer, with Louis van Gaal looking to strengthen his defence with a quality right-back. However, the deal seems to have fallen through, with the player expected to extend his contract with the Saints.

United are also keeping a close watch on Schneiderlin to alleviate their midfield woes. The Frenchman has openly disclosed his desire to transfer to a club in the Champions League and United, who have finished fourth this season are favourites to prise the player away to Old Trafford, where he will be deployed ahead of Michael Carrick as a holding midfielder.

United are hopeful that the Shaw transfer will keep them ahead in the trail, having secured a deal last summer with little fuss. The only stumbling block can be Van Gaal's reported feud with the Saints manager Ronald Koeman, who can make the transfer difficult.

United are also keeping tabs on Ilkay Gundogan, who is currently stationed at Borussia Dortmund and has refused to extend his contract with the Bundesliga club. The German has been ravaged by injuries over the past couple of seasons, but is seemingly back at his best this season.

However, with United willing to pay the requisite £25m, it shouldn't pose a problem with Southampton showing last year that they have the ability to invest the money intelligently and bring in players who can contribute to the squad.

Southampton have qualified for the Europa League this season, facilitated by Arsenal winning the FA Cup over Aston Villa this season.