Southampton boss Ronald Koeman braced for Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin offers

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman admits the club face a battle in holding on to both Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin.

Clyne, 24, remains heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and the right-back's reluctance to sign a new contract at St Mary's has raised further doubt over his future at the club.

Schneiderlin, meanwhile, who was relentlessly pursued by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2014, has been the subject of keen interest from Arsenal and more recently Chelsea. The France international has also made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football next season.

Of the defender, Koeman said: "We are still trying to keep Clyne at the club. We know it is not easy as maybe there is some interest," the Dutchman was quoted as saying by BBC Radio Solent. "At the moment, there is not a serious bid for whichever player in team, but we will do everything to keep them."

The Southampton boss also conceded the club are again likely to be faced with offers for Schneiderlin, 25, at the end of the season and admits the decision will ultimately rest with the Frenchman.

"It will be hard when there is real interest in the player," Koeman said. "It is up to the player what he likes to do.

"It is very hard by normally if we have the season like we have so far there will be interest in the players of Southampton. If he gets a big offer from a big team, there is always interest for that player and I understand that. That is normal, we know our level and that is a compliment for the players and the club."

Southampton are also faced with a challenge in retaining the services of Toby Alderweireld. The Belgium international has excelled at the club since arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid and while Koeman has previously indicated the club have the option to make the deal permanent, the Spanish champions recently suggested he may yet return to the Vicente Calderon.

"Always, you like to have an answer as soon as possible," Koeman said. "It is more the business of [Southampton director of football] Les Reed. We know he wants to be at Southampton. I've recently read a comment that the technical director at Atletico Madrid wants him to return, so we will know in some weeks what will happen with Toby."

Aldweireld recently indicated he would also be open to a move to Tottenham Hotspur to link up with his countryman Jan Vertonghen.