Southampton currently sit in ninth position in the Premier League, and are beginning to look like a side capable of finishing in the European places.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
Southampton have recovered well after a tough start to life under Claude Puel, and have looked extremely impressive in recent weeks, after recording four consecutive victories in all competitions.
They have been both direct and ruthless in their play, and their 3-0 win over West Ham United at the weekend epitomised their recent resurgence.
The Saints are incredibly tight defensively, with Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte forming a formidable partnership.
They have arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the league in Fraser Forster, and a plethora of striking options, including the in-form Charlie Austin.
One position that the South Coast outfit could strengthen further still, however, is central midfield, and in particular, a box-to-box type player would make for a useful addition.
Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin in action
There would be nobody better to fill that role for Puel’s side than former Saints star and current Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has struggled for game time since the appointment of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, and has managed only five minutes of Premier League football for the Red Devils this campaign, after falling behind Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini in the United midfield pecking order.
After spending seven years at St Mary’s, there would be no settling-in period required, should any kind of move for Schneiderlin come to fruition.
Morgan Schneiderlin in action during his Southampton days
The 15-capped France international would be the ideal player to slot in alongside two from either Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu or Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
He could be used as a deep-lying play-maker in tough away games providing another level of protection for the Saints’ back-four, and could also be utilised in a more advanced role when playing the so-called lesser teams at home.
Schneiderlin’s availability will depend heavily on the game time he receives between now and the end of the calendar year, but if his situation hasn’t changed by January, Southampton should seriously consider taking advantage, and bring their former star back to St Mary’s.
Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin in action
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