Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal makes Southampton midfielder his 'top transfer target' this summer

The Southampton midfielder is expected to leave the south coast club this summer

Morgan Schneiderlin (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United are set to increase their interest in Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin after identifying the Frenchman as their prime transfer target for this summer.

United have been linked with a number of players that could help strengthen the central midfield area, with Michael Carrick having to carry the burden of fulfilling the defensive role throughout the season that ended with the England international suffering a string of injuries.

German duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ilkay Gundogan have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford this summer, but the Manchester Evening News reports that Schneiderlin has emerged at the top of Louis van Gaal’s wish-list.

The Dutch manager is eager to lift some of the work load off Carrick and give himself more options in the holding role, given that Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera have been deployed further forward this season.

Schneiderlin pushed for a move away from Southampton last season, but was left disappointed when he was prevented from leaving having already seen Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw all move on to pastures new.

Schneiderlin is expected to leave this summer (GETTY IMAGES)

However, it appears he could be close to a reunion with Shaw should United launch a move for the 25-year-old, who has two years left on his current contract but is widely expected to leave this summer in search of Champions League football.