Manchester United attempt to hijack Arsenal's move for Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin

Louis van Gaal is lining up a bid for the France star, who has made it clear he will leave St Mary’s if he is offered the chance to play in the Champions League

Manchester United are trying to hijack Arsenal’s move for Southampton midfielderMorgan Schneiderlin, it emerged tonight.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants to build Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge around £25m rated Schneiderlin.

But Louis van Gaal is lining up a rival bid for the France World Cup star, who has made it clear he will leave St Mary’s if he is offered the chance to play in the Champions League.

Van Gaal is aware United struggled this season when Michael Carrick was injured and believes Schneiderlin, 25, can provide an alternative option to the aging England man.

News of United’s interest came as Saints boss Ronald Koeman admitted he faces a fight to keep Schneiderlin on the south coast.

Koeman – who persuaded Schneiderlin to snub a move to Tottenham last summer – said: “There is interest in a number of our players, include Schneiderlin.”

Schneiderlin joined Saints from Strasbourg as a teenager in 2008 and has played 230 league games.

Speaking last week, Schneiderlin, who has two years left on his contract, said: “I think my decision is made.

“The Champions League is my goal and if I leave Southampton it will be for a club in the Champions League.”