Clock ticking on Fellaini’s dream move to Old Trafford
Published:While his successor at Everton seems to be having no issues bolstering his new squad with familiar faces, David Moyes is yet to make any moves for former charges Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.
It had been widely expected that Moyes’ first transfers as Manchester United boss would involve one, if not both, of his former players, as Roberto Martinez replenishes the squad he has inherited from Moyes with a number of signings from Wigan, namely Arouna Kone, Joel Robles and Antolin Alcaraz.
As yet, Everton insist that they have received no official contact from United, but that could all change this week as reports in a number of Sunday papers claim that Fellaini’s £23.5million release clause – implemented by Moyes himself – is due to run out in mid-August.
It could prompt United to make a move sooner rather than later, particularly with Moyes’ number one summer target, Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, now thought to favour a reunion of his own – with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
Although Sporting Director Matthias Sammer today played down suggestions that a deal with Thiago had been sewn up, it is not thought that there is anything malicious in the hold up.
It leaves United still short in their desire to recruit a commanding midfielder, though with Wayne Rooney’s future still uncertain, there has been some speculation that Moyes may be forced prioritise other areas in the transfer market.
In fact, any worries Moyes may have about replacing a hamstrung Rooney would also be allayed with the signature of the Belgian international, in the short term at least, given that he is more than capable of plugging any gaps in attack too.
Moyes used the 25-year-old as a targetman on a number of occasions last term and knows just how effective Fellaini can be in such a role, scoring 11 times in the league for the Toffees.
But with Everton expected to ask for more than £30m should they still own their star asset past his release clause date – thought to be August 14th – United’s money men will look to get the OK from the new man in charge sooner rather than later.
