RONALD Koeman has confirmed that Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie is among Saints' list of targets - if Morgan Schneiderlin leaves the club.

Koeman confirmed that one bid from Manchester United for Schneiderlin has already been rejected this summer, describing the offer as not being a serious one.

Since it was made two weeks ago, there has been no contact from the Reds, but there remains a possibility that they could still match Saints' valuation, which is thought to be about £25m.

 

If that does happen and Schneiderlin departs, the club will immediately look to bring in a replacement, with Koeman confirming that Clasie, 24, is one player who will be considered.

"Clasie is one of the players on the list what we have to replace Morgan Schneiderlin," he said.

Koeman added: "It's a good player, because it’s a young player, it’s an international Dutch player and he’s ready to make a step and to play and to show his qualities on a higher level than we have in the Dutch league.

“If Morgan goes, we need a player in that position and he is one of that.”

While Saints are still waiting to see if United return for Schneiderlin, Koeman understands the player's desire to move to a club of that level and admits they are willing to let him go for the right price.

"If there is the interest in Morgan Schneiderlin then okay, but it has to be at the price that the club wants, because it’s one of the key players of our team," said Koeman.

"It’s an international player. But I don’t think it’s really a problem for Man United."

Koeman added: "A club like Man United, we know it is difficult to keep the player, but if they pay then, okay, he can make the transfer."

Asked what sort of a player United would get if they signed the 25-year-old France midfielder, the Saints boss said: “Everybody knows the qualities of the player and if they are looking on the position where he plays in Southampton then that’s the best for the player.

"He is still a young player and he can develop himself much more than he did in the last period in Southampton."