:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52288209/493050670.0.jpeg)
The Telegraph are reporting that Everton are close to securing midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin in the upcoming January transfer window.
The French midfielder is yet to start a Premier League game for Manchester United, playing only 11 minutes this season. Under Jose Mourinho, he has seen his fortunes fall and is even further behind the depth chart than the out-of-favour Bastian Schweinstiger who has recently seen more time in the match day squads.
United paid £24 million to Southampton last season for the 27-year-old, but he is currently languishing behind Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini and the aforementioned German World Cup-winner as well.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7645609/465179794.jpg)
Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in the player when the Red Devils made a move for him, and West Bromwich Albion are also asking about him, but it’s looking like it’s Everton who are likely suitors for the player, with Schneiderlin having played for Ronald Koeman previously.
Koeman holds the player in high regard, considering him a long-term replacement for the 35-year-old Gareth Barry. The Toffees are also reported to be willing to pay Schneiderlin’s £120,000 a week wages as well a transfer fee that should go some way towards recouping United’s initial investment in the player.
United manager Mourinho even admitted that he would not stand in the way of Schneiderlin or another Everton target Memphis Depay -
“I am always open to listen to offers for every player. More than listen to offers, I am always ready to listen to the players themselves. So any player who knocks on my door and is not happy and wants to move, when the offers are correct, I will never stop a player from leaving even if it is to a rival.”