New Everton boss is set to rescue Morgan Schneiderlin, 26, from his Manchester United hell. The French international struggled to make his mark after a £24m move from Southampton and Koeman is keen to reunite with the midfielder.
Failing to hold down a regular place in the United side has stalled his international career with Didier Deschamps overlooking the player for his Euro 2016 squad. Only when Lassana Diarra, 31, succumbed to injury was Schneiderlin called up by Les Bleus.
Koeman is ready to spend £20m on the player he viewed as a vital cog in the midfield when he was at Southampton. Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s new co-owner, has vowed to underwrite the spending the Dutchman deems necessary in order to bring Champions League football to Goodison Park on a regular basis.
Schneiderlin is seen as a key signing with the Everton midfield desperate for experience and Gareth Barry, 35, coming toward the end of his career. He was coveted by Arsenal for much of his time at St Mary’s with Arsene Wenger an admirer of his compatriot’s diligence in protecting the back four.
Francis Coquelin’s emergence meant Wenger wasn’t looking to fill that position last summer and Schneiderlin’s head was turned when United showed an interest. The move has worked out as the midfielder hoped and now Koeman is ready to make him a pivotal member of the Everton team.
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