Southampton: Morgan Schneiderlin denies Arsenal deal talk but leaves door open for summer move

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin admits there are still clubs interested in signing him but insists he has not been in contact with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Schneiderlin, 25, appeared on the brink of leaving St Marys in the summer of 2014 with both the Gunners and north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur credited with a keen interest in signing him.

But the Frenchman reconciled with his current club after his attempts to leave during the summer transfer window were blocked, however speculation over his long-term future has remained.

But while he has done little to play down talk of a summer move, the Saints midfielder insists he is yet to hold talks with anyone.

"I haven't had contact with [Arsene] Wenger," Schneiderlin told Canal Plus. "Clubs are interested in me but I have not given my word to anyone."

Schneiderlin, who has played a key role in Southampton's midfield throughout their rise from League 1 back to the summit of English football, was also asked if he feared facing the same struggles suffered by Yohan Cabaye.

The France international was an integral member of the Newcastle United first team during his time on Tyneside but was determined to join a club competing in the Champions League, a desire that was shared by Schneiderlin in 2014.

Cabaye has since struggled to replicate his Premier League form after returning to France but Schneiderlin insists his countryman does not regret his decision.

"No, because I want to play at the highest level, Cabaye is an excellent player who joined PSG to win titles," the Southampton midfielder said. "We players, we like competition. I think he does not regret his choice at all."

Southampton allowed Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert all to leave the club in 2014 but dug their heels in when it came to their French midfielder.

Reports at the start of March suggested Southampton will offer Schneiderlin a new contract in efforts to keep the midfielder happy ahead of a summer where his future is likely to come under scrutiny again.