Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin (L) Reuters

Tottenham are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

According to the Daily Mail, the north London rivals are both vying for the tough tackling midfielder's signature, and are in the process of negotiating a fee with Southampton.

However, reports suggest that the French international is inclined towards a move to the Spurs rather than the current FA Cup holders, as he is keen to re-unite with his former boss.

Schneiderlin credits Mauricio Pochettino for improving his game during his tenure at Southampton, and believes that he was the reason for his surprise call up to the French World Cup squad.

Pochettino is yet to make his first signing after taking over at White Hart Lane and is keen to bring the midfielder from his former club.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have been in the market for a midfielder and were linked with plenty of players, including Real Madrid's Sami Khedira, and rumours suggested that a deal was imminent.

However, recent reports says that the German midfielder's high wage demands have put off Arsenal and Arsene Wenger has now made the French midfielder his primary target.

It is claimed that Schneiderlin can be prized away from St Mary's with a bid in the region of £16m, and the player himself is keen on a move, after earlier stating that he wants to play in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined the Saints in 2008, has been a key player in their rise from the lower leagues of English football, to the Premier League, where they have held their own against the more established clubs over the last couple of seasons.

It is believed that Arsenal have opened discussions in order to bring the Frenchman to the Emirates. But with the player preferring a move to their arch rivals, it looks like Wenger will lose out on his preferred midfield target, which will come as a massive blow to the Gunners.