Everton are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, although Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest in the France international.
According to James Ducker and John Percy of the Daily Telegraph, the 27-year-old is edging nearer to a move to Goodison Park, with United looking to agree a deal that would see them recoup £24 million for the former Southampton man.
BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty and Simon Stone have also noted the Toffees’ interest in the midfielder, suggesting that "contact has been made between the two clubs, although there is no agreement over a deal yet."
In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) has reported that Inter Milan are considering signing Schneiderlin, with manager Stefano Pioli seeking to improve the team’s options in central midfield.
Olympique de Marseille’s Lassana Diarra and John Obi Mikel of Chelsea are also noted as targets for the Serie A side, although the club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, is said to be keeping tabs on Schneiderlin’s situation.
Regardless of where he goes, Schneiderlin looks certain to leave United midseason, having played just 11 minutes of Premier League football this term.
Despite his struggles, Bleacher Report UK recently offered a reminder of what Schneiderlin can produce when he’s at his best:
Indeed, under Everton manager Ronald Koeman, Schneiderlin excelled at Southampton. Next to Victor Wanyama, he forged a tremendous midfield partnership, dominating in his defensive duties but also contributing on the ball with his neat passing and ability to surge through the middle of the pitch.
Given the combination of brains and brawn Schneiderlin possesses, it’s a big shock that he’s not been handed more of a role under Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese has always valued that balance and is looking to fashion a side that’s both physical and technically proficient.
Alex Shaw of ESPN is surprised to have seen Schneiderlin falter at Old Trafford, although thinks he would be a fine partner for Idrissa Gueye in the heart of the Everton midfield:
Inter would be another intriguing option for the Frenchman, though. While they’ve fallen on tough times in recent years, the Nerazzurri still carry something of an allure, and given their midfield issues this term, Schneiderlin may feel capable of making a big impact at the San Siro if he were to join.
However, there are clear merits behind a move to Everton as well. According to Ducker and Percy, the player is keen to link up with Koeman once again, while the Merseyside location of the club means the player wouldn’t have to uproot. Additionally, Schneiderlin could become a linchpin in the Toffees midfield.
Premier League football is suited to the skills of the United man too despite his inability to secure a regular place at Old Trafford. He’ll be keen to show he’s capable of scaling the heights he showcased so consistently for Saints and why Mourinho was wrong to marginalise him.