Manchester United have rejected a bid from Everton to sign Morgan Schneiderlin for around £19m.
Everton, whose interest in the France international has been known for several weeks, made their first official move for the midfielder at the start of the transfer window but their offer fell short of United’s valuation.
United are believed to be looking to recoup most of the £24m they paid Southampton for Schneiderlin in July 2015 despite his place on the periphery of José Mourinho’s plans at Old Trafford.
Schneiderlin has made eight appearances under Mourinho this season – only three in the Premier League – and has been subject of an £18m bid from West Bromwich Albion.
Everton, who are close to signing the Charlton Athletic teenager Ademola Lookman in an £11m deal, are keen to land the 27-year-old early in the January window with Idrissa Gana Gueye having played his final game before the Africa Cup of Nations in the 3-0 defeat of Southampton on Monday.
Ronald Koeman, who worked with Schneiderlin at St Mary’s before his move to Old Trafford, also has fitness concerns over James McCarthy in central midfield and is seeking several additions to the Everton squad this month.
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