Manchester United and Arsenal transfer target Morgan Schneiderlin set for Old Trafford move next week

Francis Coquelin's emergence has seen the Gunners' interest in the Southampton star wane, while fellow suitors Spurs can't offer Champions League football

Manchester United are closing in on the £24million capture of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

The Old Trafford giants are set to beat Arsenal and Tottenham to the transfer of the holding midfielder - who is poised to become Louis van Gaal's second signing of the summer.

Schneiderlin said on Wednesday he hoped his future would be resolved by next week, when Saints return for pre-season training, and senior United sources are confident a deal can be struck by then.

Van Gaal gave executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward the go-ahead to bid for France World Cup midfielder Schneiderlin, who now looks set to move to Manchester's Reds on a four-year deal.

Schneiderlin had wanted to go to Arsenal last summer and went on strike in an effort to force a move, but Southampton stood firm.

Now both Arsenal and Spurs appear to have given up on him, leaving the way clear for United.

The Gunners' interest in the 25-year-old waned with the emergence of the younger Francis Coquelin, while Spurs were never serious contenders because they are unable to offer him Champions League football.

Schneiderlin, who joined from Strasbourg in his homeland in June 2008, helped Saints qualify for the Europa League last season and wants to take his career to the next level and play in the Champions League, which United will return to in August.