Failure to qualify for Champions League could see Schneiderlin leave Southampton

Champions League football will be the deciding factor for Morgan Schneiderlin and his future at Southampton.

The French midfielder told French publication L'Equipe he has an appetite to perform at the top club competition in the world, and warned that he will once again seek a move away from Southampton if they fail to land a spot in the lucrative tournament.

He appeared to be on the verge of leaving last summer following the flurry of players to exit Southampton, but had his transfer request denied by the team.

Southampton's refusal to let Schneiderlin leave caused a rift between the two, as manager Ronald Koeman admitted the player was not in the right state of mind and held him out of preseason matches as a result.

"In August, I wanted to take a move but the club had lost too many players to agree to sell me," Schneiderlin said.

"Since then I have had discussions with the leaders and I want to play at the highest level: it is important at 25 years old to finally know the Champions League."

Despite the departures of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren, Southampton have exceeded expectations. They held a top-four spot for most of the Premier League campaign, but sit five points behind a Champions League position with eight games remaining.

"Given that, late in the season, Southampton may qualify for the Champions League and I can stay, who knows. I have no desire to be in front of my TV on Tuesday and Wednesday."

They currently hold a Europa League position, but qualification for the Champions League will be the club's ultimate goal.

- With translation from Sky Sports