Speculation continues to grow over the impending move away from Southampton for 25- year old midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. Earlier this week, The Daily Mail and numerous other English newspapers reported that Manchester United were in the hot seat to sign the Saints’ long serving star ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham. With a price tag of £25 million, Schneiderlin is well within budget for both the Red Devils and the Gunners, and is the exact pedigree of player both teams need to further enhance their title credentials for next season.

A dynamic defensive midfielder, Schneiderlin has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier league for the last few seasons. After first drawing attention from Spurs last summer, he has been on the radar of numerous other clubs across Europe over the past year, displaying performances that have earned a breakthrough into the France National team.

Schneiderlin has made it clear that if a move away from the south coast was to happen, the opportunity to play Champions League football would be a crucial factor in his decision. After a disappointing European campaign for Arsenal last season and with United not qualifying, both teams will be aiming to progress and establish themselves as two strong competitors for their overseas counter-parts in the forthcoming seasons competition.

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For United, Schneiderlin would be the perfect fit to replace the ageing Michael Carrick. Despite being 33, Carrick was an integral part of the Red Devils’ squad last season, and was sorely missed throughout the campaign as he succumbed to injuries. As well as being a good ball-winner, his passing abilities and creativity are almost reminiscent to the role Carrick displays so well in the United midfield. Being eight years younger, Schneiderlins extra yard of pace and energy could also benefit the rest of United’s attacking force, allowing players like Herrera and Mata to push further forward and leave the Saints man to mop up in the gaps left behind. Having already earned himself nine caps for a strong French national side, Schneiderlin should be one of the top names amongst Louis Van Gaal’s summer shopping list.

Despite the emergence of young star Francis Coquelin at United’s top four rivals Arsenal, Wenger’s men are still short in the midfield department. The fading presence of Arteta and Flamini highlight the importance of acquiring a player of Schneiderlin’s potential to compliment the role Coquelin has made his own in front of the back four. Schneiderlin’s ability to create opportunities could prove to be exceptionally dangerous when lined up alongside Arsenals tough tackling young Frenchmen, enabling the former Strasbourg player to enjoy the freedom of attacking in a more advanced role.

An experienced Premier League defensive midfielder who consistently performs on the largest stage is a big find for many top flight sides. Morgan Schneiderlin’s performances for Southampton over the course of the past two seasons have deservedly resulted in major interest from the elite band of clubs within the English Premier League, and regardless of which club he joins, Schneiderlin has the ability to become a crucial player.

Burnley forward Danny Ings has been the subject of increased speculation over recent weeks, with Liverpool the latest club to be linked with the services of the England under-21 international. On Wednesday, the London Evening Standard reported that Liverpool could be on the verge of hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s rumored £12 million bid to prise Ings away from the Lancashire-based club.

Despite Ings’ lackluster end to a disappointing campaign for Burnley, he began the season as their bright spark, scoring nine goals by mid-February; which included goals against Manchester United at Old Trafford and a winning brace against Stoke.

At 22 years old, Ings has become one of the hottest talents to become embraced by the English game, impressing his peers with his natural goal scoring ability and ‘never say die’ work ethic. However, after only adding two further goals in his last 13 appearances of the season and with an expiring contract, Liverpool can afford to be shrewd buyers for a player that oozes potential.

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Ings himself has made it clear that a transfer to Merseyside would be his preference over Tottenham, a move which could reap rewards for both parties involved. Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers is renowned for putting his faith into younger players, proven by the emergence of Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe, both of whom are English and are considered as future integral players for the National team. Rodgers’ capability to get the best out of emerging talents could prove pivotal in the development of Ings’ abilities, and further enhance his decision to join the Reds.

Liverpool’s current strike force of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Daniel Sturridge managed to muster fewer league goals combined than Ings’ total for last season, a problem that Liverpool need to fix if they are to establish themselves consistently as a top four Premier League heavyweight. Sturridge’s long term injury setbacks throughout the season have hampered their opportunities to be able to authorize an out and out goalscorer within their side, which with the right sort of service, Ings could flourish under.

Despite claims that Liverpool should be setting their targets higher, nobody can dispute that he deserves a chance. Without him, Burnley would have struggled to stamp authority on any of their games, and given the right opportunities, Ings and Liverpool could become a combination that may well once again begin to ignite fear into opponents eyes.

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