José Mourinho has reportedly made Southampton pair Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin two priority summer transfer targets.
Clyne and Schneiderlin are already two of the hottest players in this summer’s transfer market. Several clubs, including the likes of Arsenal and Man United, have been heavily linked with the players.
Chelsea have now joined the race to snap the pair up, with Mourinho a real admirer of the job they’ve both done at Southampton. José is such a fan he had his scouts watch the pair at last weekend’s match against Everton.
It is very unlikely either player will remain at Southampton this summer.
Schneiderlin was nearly bought last summer by Tottenham, who seemed determined to land their man. However, Ronald Koeman made it clear that the player was not for sale and was to become the focal point of his Southampton side.
Koeman did well to keep the French international at St Mary’s last summer, but there’s very little chance he’ll be able to do the same this time round as Schneiderlin has made it clear he wants to be playing Champions League football.
Clyne only has one year left on his current deal at Southampton, and with the likes of Chelsea knocking on the door he’ll be in no hurry to sign a new deal. The English full-back has impressed at both ends of the pitch this campaign, helping contribute to Southampton’s fantastic defensive record as well as bombing up the touchline, taking players on and supplying a final product.
Like Schneiderlin, it is very unlikely that if Chelsea were to come in for the young right-back Southampton would be able to keep him. With just a year left on his current deal the Saints would be wise to cash in on the promising youngster now rather than see his force a move away next summer for free.