Reports earlier this week claimed that Saints had been approached by Old Trafford representatives for the Gabon international, who has admitted that he wants to leave St Mary’s this summer. However, the Manchester Evening News claims that senior United officials believe they are being linked with the 25-year-old as part of Southampton’s efforts to start a bidding war for his signature. Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the player, who could be allowed to leave for around £30 million. Lemina did not travel with the Saints’ squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria as he looks to find a new club. Now read… RANKED! The 10 best centre-backs in the world FEATURE 12 youngsters who decided to leave big clubs early – and were much better off Topics Manchester United, Southampton, Transfer news, Premier League Mario Lemina opens door to Manchester United by confirming he wants out of Southampton Mourinho: There is no financial fair play, clubs do what they want Mourinho already knows next Manchester United transfer targets Mane turned down Manchester United for Liverpool Aribo keen to emulate Toure and Vieira after comparisons to midfield duo VAR used to check 10 incidents per game at Women’s World Cup, FIFA reveals Bolton administrators taking legal action against would-be owner Bassini Benfica defender scouted by Manchester United as negotiations begin Dick Law explains why Arsenal decided against signing a young Eden Hazard Ranked! The 10 best centre-backs in the world Forbes have revealed the world’s most valuable football clubs – and Premier League dominates Juan Mata rejected insane offer to stay at Manchester United – report Highest-paid footballers revealed by Forbes as Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar feature Wolves’ ambitious owners understand they can’t match the Big Six – and that’s why they might actually break it