Ronald Koeman: Arsenal and Tottenham Target Morgan Schneiderlin Will Not Leave Southampton

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a blow in their ongoing pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin as Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says the midfielder will not leave the club.

The French international has strongly been linked with a move away from St Mary's Stadium in recent times, with both the north London clubs keen on securing a deal for the 24-year-old. He expressed his disappointment on social media, saying "6 years of an amazing journey DESTROYED in 1 hour!!!"

After his latest comment on Twitter, it was reported that Schneiderlin has handed a transfer request to leave Southampton in the summer transfer window, with both Arsenal and Spurs linked in signing him.

However, Koeman says the Frenchman will continue at Southampton and is likely to feature for the pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen next week.

"It's the decision of the board but I don't talk about it. He's a player at Southampton and he will continue as a player at Southampton," Koeman told Sky Sports.

"But I don't like to talk about that situation. I spoke to Morgan two days ago and he is still not in the shape to play a friendly at this level. He needs more training sessions. If he's ready he will play."

"Normally he will play next week against Bayer Leverkusen [Southampton's final pre-season friendly]," the Dutch manager said.

Southampton have allowed five of their star players, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and Dejan Lovren leave the club this summer. Meanwhile, the south coast club have signed Ryan Bertrand on-loan from Chelsea earlier this week.

Koeman says Southampton are closing in on signing two or three players before the end of the week.

"There is no news on that and still no news on other players. We are close to signing two or three players and we hope to do that by this weekend," Koeman explained.

"I won't talk about any of the players but we are looking to bring in players into this squad at the level that we need to have a good season."