Southampton boss Ronald Koeman wants Jordy Clasie to replace Manchester United target Morgan Schneiderlin

Morgan Schneiderlin would appear to be edging closer to a Southampton exit after manager Ronald Koeman revealed the club have identified Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie as his possible replacement.

Schneiderlin, 25, has made it clear he wants to play for a club competing in the Champions League next term with Manchester United now ahead of Arsenal in the chase for his signature, according to reports in France.

Southampton managed to hold on to the France international last summer but it would appear the club are now ready to part with the midfielder.

Netherlands international Clasie signed a new four year contract with Feyenoord last August but Koeman is hopeful of tempting the 23-year-old into a move to the Premier League.

"There is interest for a number of our players, including Schneiderlin. If he leaves, Jordy Clasie is on our list," Koeman was quoted as saying this week.

Schneiderlin, who has been at the heart of Southampton's midfield throughout their rise from League One back to the Premier League, has made no secret of his desire to move on. Last month, Chelsea were also credited with firm interest in the midfielder's services, but Tottenham's hopes of signing the player at the second time of asking would appear to have passed following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Should Southampton make a formal offer for Clasie, it will be Koeman's second attempt to raid his former employers after Graziano Pelle was signed from Feyenoord in his first summer in charge on the south coast last year.

The club's qualification for Europe next season has heightened their need to bolster their squad.

Koeman guided Southampton to their highest ever Premier League finish in the 2014-15 season, with the Saints securing their qualification for the Europa League courtesy of Arsenal's FA Cup final victory over Aston Villa.