Morgan Schneiderlin to sign?

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Looks like we are set to capture Morgan Schneiderlin from RC Strasbourg. (according to some random french website)

18 Year old french defensive midfielder.

I think P*mpey had been tracking him, so sounds promising.

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Nothing's done with Portsmouth," Schneiderlin told setantasports.com. "I can't confirm I'm going to sign with them.

"I am currently thinking, and to be honest they are not my favourite destination."


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Sensible lad!!!!

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"According to the latest reports out of England, Southampton have beaten Premiership side Portsmouth to the signature of Racing Strasbourg starlet Morgan Schneiderlin. Schneiderlin, a U-19 international for France, is expected to put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal at Southampton later today, where he will link up with his compatriot Cedric Baseya.

The news will not be well received by Harry Redknapp, as Pompey had already put in a lot of work in the background in Racing and Portsmouth have already agreed a £1 million deal with Racing for the youngster"

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Hmm how will we afford him?

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Saints have beaten off competition from a string of top clubs to sign hot French prospect Morgan Schneiderlin.
The 18-year-old was yesterday reported to be heading for Fratton Park in a £1.2m deal from RC Strasbourg.
But the highly-rated midfielder opted instead for Southampton because he knows he will get more regular first-team football.
He has signed a four-year contract for a fee which could rise to 1.5m Euros.
It is a major coup for Saints with Arsenal and Chelsea also reported to have been tracking the talented set-piece specialist.
He watched training this morning and was impressed by the quality of the club's youngsters. He then completed a medical and has put pen to paper in the last few minutes.
Schneiderlin, who captained the French Under 18 side, has found his opportunities limited at Strasbourg making three top-flight appearances last season and now he is looking to fully establish himself at senior level.
That played a key factor in his decision to sign for Southampton who have pledged to give youth a chance this term.
He said: "I am delighted to be signing for Southampton. It is a very good club and one where I know I will get a chance to play.
"That is the most important thing for me right now. There were other clubs interested in me but I know Southampton have a good track record for bringing through youngsters.
"I know a bit about them from their time in the Premier League and I have heard a lot about the Academy particularly with the likes of Theo Walcott coming through.
"That was a big factor in my decision along with the return of Rupert Lowe because I have heard a lot about him and I know he is a big believer in the Academy and promoting young players.
"Here you do not have to wait until a certain age in order to play. If you are good enough then you will play and that is important to me.
"It is more important than money or prestige. Right now I need to develop my career and I believe I can do that at Southampton."
Saints chairman Rupert Lowe moved swiftly to head off rival interest and was delighted to have tied up the deal.
He said: "I am absolutely thrilled we have managed to get him. There was a lot of strong competition and I am delighted we have won the race for such a talented player.
"He was persuaded to come here because of the structure we have in place and the fact he knows he will get a chance to play here.
"He is a defensive midfielder who can also play a more attacking role. He is a top quality player who is capable of scoring goals out of nothing and he will be a very good acquisition who will fit right in with what we are aiming to achieve."



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Good stuff... I expect we'll sell Rasiak, Skacel Viafara and Dyer to pay for this...