Tuesday 26 May 2015 12:06, UK
Morgan Schneiderlin has told French radio that he will only leave Southampton for Champions League football.
The 25-year-old, who signed from Strasbourg in 2008, had hoped to leave last summer, only for the Southampton hierarchy to block his path - a decision that worked well for both parties as the midfielder played a key role in helping Southampton defy the critics and finish seventh.
Schneiderlin, who has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, told French radio station RMC: "I think my decision is made. I learned a lot last season. The goal is to stay in England. It is a championship that I like and where I have a lot of fun.
"If I leave Southampton, it is for a club that plays better than the Europa League. There are ongoing discussions, but nothing is done. But, of course, the Champions League is my goal.
"If I leave Southampton it will be for a club in the Champions League. I have a two-year contract. If a club pays the right amount for me, it will be time to leave.
"The amount? I have no idea, but I will not leave for a small price. Southampton is known to be a good seller club, the price should be high enough."
While Schneiderlin edges towards the exit, Jos Hooiveld has been released while Artur Boruc has made his loan move to Bournemouth a permanent one.
Cody Cropper, Omar Rowe, Jake Sinclair and Chris Johns have also been released, while Dan Demkiv, Mark Irvine, Niall Mason and Chris Regis have left the club at the end of their two-year scholarships.
