Southampton target Jordy Clasie holds transfer talks as Manchester United keep Morgan Schneiderlin pursuit alive

Southampton target Jordy Clasie, the club's choice to replace Manchester United-linked Morgan Schneiderlin, has been withdrawn from Feyenoord's friendly match to hold transfer talks.

Feyenoord take on German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on Sunday but the club have announced via their official Twitter feed that their captain Clasie will miss out after agreeing to let him discuss a summer move.

"Jordy Clasie will not play against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Sunday. Then reason is that concrete interest has been shown for the captain from another club.

"The club and the player have therefore agreed that he will not play as long as talks on a possible transfer are ongoing."

Southampton are said to be the club in talks with the player after manager Ronald Koeman recently confirmed the Netherlands international is his first choice to replace Schneiderlin, who is allowed to leave the south coast club should his valuation be met in full.

"He is a good player, a young player, who is ready to make a step up and show his qualities at a higher level," Koeman said on 6 July.

Clasie has also appeared open to the idea of a move to the Premier League side, recently telling Algemeen Dagblad: "I have read Koeman's comments. If Schneilderlin leaves, we will see."

Despite confirming a deal is in place for Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger on Saturday, Manchester United are still hoping to sign Schneiderlin to complete Louis van Gaal's overhaul in midfield.

Southampton rejected an opening offer from the Old Trafford club last week but Koeman later suggested United would have no problem in meeting the full asking price, thought to be £27m.

The Manchester Evening News suggest van Gaal is still eager to bring in the France international.

The Guardian add United hope to have a deal in place before the club depart for their preseason tour of United States on Monday, claiming the club are hopeful of sealing a deal for £25m.

Schneiderlin would become United's fourth arrival of the summer with Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian already confirmed with Schweinsteiger to follow when he completes his medical.