According to reports from The Daily Mail this afternoon, Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin is continuing to stall on a five-year contract extension at St. Mary’s.
The France international has emerged as one of the most formidable midfield generals in the Premier League since the Saints’ top flight ascension in summer 2012, this term averaging the second-most tackles per match, 3.7, of any player in the division.
After almost leaving Southampton last summer until chairman Ralph Krueger publicly declared he wasn’t for sale – as reported by BBC Sport in July 2014 – many expect the 25 year-old to move on in the coming window.
Manager Ronald Koeman has already admitted Schneiderlin could force a move this summer, amid rumours Arsenal and Manchester United are both baying for his services – as This Is Futbol revealed last month.
And today’s reports from The Daily Mail suggest that’s more than likely. Southampton have offered the Frenchman a five-year contract extension worth £60k per-week, which would make him the club’s top earner, but he’s continually stalling on negotiations.
Resultantly, the Saints may be obliged to sell this summer, with Schneiderlin’s current deal set to expire at the end of next season.
A top earner on £60k/week (well, currently less I suppose) is ridiculously low for a club challenging for Europe. Testament to their recent achievements in the league I suppose.
Apparently their wage bill is the fifth-smallest in the league – I didn’t realise they were that far down! Leicester have the 19th highest as well, which is pretty impressive.