'Is he ever even on the bench?' - Schneiderlin urged to swap Man Utd for Everton

Morgan Schneiderlin has been urged by Steve Nicol to snub reported interest from Juventus and complete a January move from Manchester United to Everton.

The France international has barely had a look in at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho, taking in just eight appearances in all competitions.

Those outings have delivered only 11 minutes of Premier League football, with the 27-year-old firmly out of favour.

Speculation regarding a winter switch has been building for some time, with it clear that Schneiderlin needs to find regular outings.

Everton are reported to have led the hunt for his signature, but Serie A champions Juve have also been credited with holding an interest.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Nicol admits the lure of Turin will be difficult to turn down, but believes Schneiderlin would be better served agreeing a reunion with his former Southampton boss Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park.

He told 'ESPN FC': "Schneiderlin, is he ever even on the bench [for United]? We just haven’t heard anything from him recently.

"He must be desperate to play football.

"Everton need him, Gareth Barry is coming to the end of his career so I think this deal is happening."

Nicol added: "When a team like Juventus are mentioned you have to think about it.

"But when it’s your old manager and somebody you actually had the best years of your career under [that changes things] and that for Schneiderlin is Koeman.

"That’s why he got his move to Manchester United because under Koeman he was superb.

"Arguably he was the best defensive midfielder in the country at the time.

"So I think this would be good".