Saints sign French starlet

Schneiderlin: Saints switch

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Southampton have completed the signing of Strasbourg midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin in a £1.2million deal.

The 18-year-old Frenchman arrives at St Mary's replete with a reputation for being a player of considerable promise, with a number of Premier League sides thought to have been monitoring his situation.

Schneiderlin has, though, signalled a desire for first team football immediately and clearly feels a spell in the Championship will best serve his footballing education.

Having struggled for regular playing time in France's top flight last season, Schneiderlin has spoken of a desire to quickly establish himself in Southampton's first XI.

Regular football

"I am delighted to be signing for Southampton. It is a very good club and one where I know I will get a chance to play," he told the club's official website.

"That is the most important thing for me right now. There were other clubs interested in me but I know Southampton have a good track record for bringing through youngsters.

"I know a bit about them from their time in the Premier League and I have heard a lot about the Academy particularly with the likes of Theo Walcott coming through.

"That was a big factor in my decision along with the return of Rupert Lowe because I have heard a lot about him and I know he is a big believer in the Academy and promoting young players.

"Here you do not have to wait until a certain age in order to play. If you are good enough then you will play and that is important to me.

"It is more important than money or prestige. Right now I need to develop my career and I believe I can do that at Southampton."