The Rumour Mill

Moyes eyes Fellaini for United

24/05/2013 |

Comments (59)

What is likely to be a steady drumbeat this summer — until something definitive occurs either way — is building with reports that David Moyes is considering a bid for Marouane Fellaini.

Though it was never established with any certainty whether the Belgian has the much-vaunted £24M release clause in his contract, it is generally assumed that it would take an offer of that size to prise him away from Everton.

Though he may be circumspect about raiding his soon-to-be former club and has, according to The Guardian, cooled any interest in Leighton Baines, Moyes may feel a calculated move for Fellaini would be more or less expected by Evertonians given the 25-year-old's oft-spoken desire for Champions League football.

Original Source: The Guardian Rumour source ranking:
1 = Poor; 2 = Fair; 3 = Good; 4 = Very Good; Empty (grey) = Unranked

Reader Comments

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Craig Harrison
535 Posted 24/05/2013 at 21:52:05

10 mill + Rooney would be a good start

Dan Dorrington
536 Posted 24/05/2013 at 21:50:32

Take the 24 Million and run. Could get 2-3 decent players, or like for like replacement for that. Inconsistent.

Dick Fearon
553 Posted 24/05/2013 at 21:56:55

A good bet that Moyes will also take Round and our keeper coach.

Craig Harrison
558 Posted 24/05/2013 at 22:00:00

I assume we will get compenstation then. Put Dunc as the first team assistant and have him pacing up and down the touch line

Bjørn-Ivar Pedersen
563 Posted 24/05/2013 at 21:57:08

Didn't he say a week ago he was not going to bid for Baines and Fellaini? yes he did. He also stated earlier he would leave Everton in a the best shape he could....by bidding for the players he is actually trying to destroy the team.
Okay, I agree by selling Fellaini we can get 2-3 descent players in and I like that.
But I don't like selling him to any English clubs.

But another thing, there should have been a quarantine time of at least on year where you cannot bid for player at your former club, I feel this is a rule that should be considered by UEFA.

Mark Frere
574 Posted 24/05/2013 at 22:15:55

Dan Dorrington 536

I can't agree more, like it or not we are a sell to buy club and the only way we are going to get much needed funds to give the new manager, we are going to have to sell Fella. I don't consider Fellaini as that important anyway, he is very inconsistent and not very creative. Vastly over rated in my opinion

Chris Bentham
578 Posted 24/05/2013 at 22:46:15

Great idea to sell Fellaini for 10m profit, give funds to new manager to build his own team.

Porto do it year on year sell falcao, hulk, moutinhos going and replace with cheaper younger players.. They don't moan they embrace it..it's there business model.

Always make your weakness your strength. Who said that?

Jon Ferguson
585 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:05:05

I've always rated Fellaini, even in the first season when he was getting slated I could see a player in him. However, in addition to the new TV money and the probable departure of Heitinga, the money from Fellaini will give the new manager some serious cash to spend. A sum unlikely to come again for a good few years.

This will give the manager an opportunity to put his stamp on the squad and also give us some depth. I think this would be more important as an individual player.

In summary, I rate him but think the cash we'd get for him out weighs his value.

Viv Sharma
588 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:13:52

It's all well and good selling players to create a big kitty for the summer, but we all know that it will NOT get spent and we will end up with a 10m 'marquee' signing of someone of lesser talent than Felli and bank the rest.

James Stewart
594 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:33:30

Baines is irreplaceable. Fellaini is not. We generally play worst with Fellaini in the team when he is pushed up. I have always liked him as a deep midfielder but he was rarely played there. He could be easily replaced for a lot less than 24m. Shrewd business.

James Stewart
596 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:35:33

Sell Fellaini bring in Mcmanaman and the other lad from Wigan. Scott parker is also available on the cheap and could do a job for a couple of years.

David Greenwood
599 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:44:04

Get Wanyama for six million from Celtic. Don't let him go to Arsenal, Spurs, RS, or anywhere else.

He's only 20/21, if we have to punt Felli, Wanyama is the man to replace him.

Alex Mullan
602 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:39:52

Fuck sake, we will 100% bugger up any deal on this. Kenwright, with no manager looking over his shoulder or pressuring him will no doubt take a straight swap for some world beater like Anderson who Davey will convince him is a more industrial and Evertonly player.

Liam Wilson
604 Posted 24/05/2013 at 23:53:56

Dave Greenwood,

Yes, Wanyama would be the ideal replacement. Actually, I would have loved to have seen Fellaini and him play together to be honest. But we will not get him for £6m..... maybe £10m...., and still an absolute bargain at that price.

David Greenwood
605 Posted 25/05/2013 at 00:02:36

Liam, yes 6 mil, is probably unrealistic, still a great deal at 10.

Eugene Ruane
607 Posted 25/05/2013 at 00:05:51

Fellaini is far from perfect but on occasion he is unplayable. He is a big presence and someone I believe we need to keep if we are to have any hope of progressing. And Should United come in for him I will consider Moyes to be full of shite re his 'special feelings for Everton'. In my opinion he should keep clear of our squad. Deeds not words will be proof of his love for us.

Harold Matthews
609 Posted 25/05/2013 at 00:07:46

Roll on August. My nerves have gone. !!

Martin Faulkner
613 Posted 25/05/2013 at 01:06:33

So United's keeper coach and no. 2 have been let go, does that mean Round and Chris Woods are off down the road?

Eric Myles
619 Posted 25/05/2013 at 01:49:37

If we get 24 mill for Fellaini our Other Operating Costs for the year are covered.

Eric Myles
621 Posted 25/05/2013 at 02:03:59

Martin#613 if they are it means we're losing 2 staff that TWebbers have been wanting gone for years.

Cue the complaints, same as when they got their wish of Moyes leaving.

Roman Sidey
623 Posted 25/05/2013 at 02:24:42

Viv, I agree with your entire comment, except the bit about "lesser talent than Fellaini" being arguable and, at this stage, completely hypothetical. The difference is, with things as they are at Everton, I really don't see too much of a problem with that scenario. Anyone who thinks BK is ever going to give every pound from a player sale to the manager to put back on the grass obviously hasn't been paying attention, and the debt needs to come down sooner rather than later.

Eric, I was one that wanted Moyes gone, but have been vocal about the nature of his departure, but, truly, however Round leaves will be fine by me.

Tim Jones
627 Posted 25/05/2013 at 03:02:51

There is something rotten in the state of Denmark - as they say. First we get a player given a contract extension with indecent haste when his current one still has a year to run , why couldn't it wait for the NEW manager to decide who HE wants.
Now the, very busy on Man U's business on EVERTONS dime, Mr Dishonest, Deceitful, Disrespectful Dire Davey is making noises about Felliani and Round. All with Billy Liars BLESSINGS no doubt. What a complete PRATT that man is.
Makes you laugh at the swivel eyed Moyes Boys loons who were bleating in their Messiah's defense on here as usual 'Davey only went there on his DAY OFF' 'Everyone is entitled to do what they want on their day off'

Eric Myles
630 Posted 25/05/2013 at 03:45:18

See what I mean Roman?

Tim Jones
635 Posted 25/05/2013 at 05:10:07

Eric Myles # 630 Yes Eric how dare we criticise your Messiah and tell the TRUTH about him and BK lets just put our heads in the sand like you hey.

Eric Myles
639 Posted 25/05/2013 at 05:30:43

The truth is Peter you wanted Moyes to go and now he's gone you're complaining, and all because he proved you wrong by getting the job at United when you said they'd never employ him.

And now you'll complain that Round (may) join him when you're probably one of those that criticised him also.

Roman Sidey
641 Posted 25/05/2013 at 05:40:56

Eric, I never thought Moyes would get the United gig. Now he has it, I don't think he'll complete his first contract. IF he takes Round with him, that much I'm certain of.

Tim Jones
644 Posted 25/05/2013 at 06:24:57

I must admit I just don't get the masochism of Moyes Boys. He , SAF and Man U lied to them for months and led them by the noses with ever more bizarre EXCUSES while all the time negotiating with Man U behind their backs while they were in paroxysms of angst over what could be and should be done to keep him.
Yet even now they still *ss lick and defend him even when he is according to a Press release 'HARD AT WORK' for Man United but he is STILL getting paid by Everton. I wonder if Man U are paying him for his time too, I doubt it though they are far too professional an outfit to allow that unlike Billy Liars Everton. Surely that £65 K per week could be put to far better uses at Goodison.

Don't get me wrong I want him out of Everton but not being disrespectful and picking up Evertons money to do Man U's business. If he had any honour whatsover he would have said to Billy Liar stop my pay I am going to be working 'HARD' for Man U from now. But then he is a DOUR JOCK and we all know what they are like.

Eric Myles
645 Posted 25/05/2013 at 06:56:17

So Roman, just be happy that you got your wish, as opposed to being bitter and twisted like Tim.

Douglas Turner
647 Posted 25/05/2013 at 07:06:05

Bjørn#563 Felli wants out and clubs are interested. If 24m is the starting price and Chelsea are interested, then surely a bidding war between ManU and Chelsea would get us more funds for our new manager!

Dan San
648 Posted 25/05/2013 at 07:14:55

So even though there's the release fee could there still be a bidding war where Everton refuse to sell unless both teams match the price offered by the other?
I'm wondering if this could kick start a move to Chelsea but also raise his price 10M at the same time?

Bit of a crap move setting a release fee so low in my opinion, it's obviously still alot but the amount some of these la liga players have in their contracts is crazy, we must have been properly over a barrel there

Gavin Ramejkis
649 Posted 25/05/2013 at 07:20:16

Douglas or Kenshite talks another probing from Man U and its just £24m on the never never, he's already paying for their manager to do his job

Gavin Ramejkis
650 Posted 25/05/2013 at 07:26:14

should read "takes", the joys of autocorrect making a complete balls up

Paul Ellam
671 Posted 25/05/2013 at 09:09:14

I would love it if we were the type of club that could hang on to players like Fellaini - but we're not.
We are skint and need the big sum of cash we would get from his sale to strengthen the squad overall.
I like the guy but if we can get in 2,3, maybe 4 decent players for his fee then I would be happy.
Don't forget there are a lot of great players out there who don't cost £30m plus! We picked up Mirallas for £6m as our most recent example of a bargain and there are plenty more where he came from.
Sell Fellaini, bring in one or two of Soldado/Vossen/Pelle/ to go up front, one of Fer/Capoue/Wanyama to replace Fellaini, and Lescott to give the defence a hand.
That's my choices anyway - I am sure there are many others!

Brian Waring
680 Posted 25/05/2013 at 09:30:35

How does the song go 'smack my bitch up' Feels like it the way Moyes and the Mancs are fucking us about.

Lori Fekete
686 Posted 25/05/2013 at 09:26:01

I've loved having the big fella playing for us, but always got the impression he'd be out the door as soon as a champions league club came in for him, So knew he'd be off this summer. Take the money and move on.
Personally I'd take a straight swap for Rooney. I know I'm in the minority here, but imagine Rooney up front, Barkley in behind and big Dunc pacing the dugout.

Jon Ferguson
689 Posted 25/05/2013 at 09:38:19

Douglas and Dan - there could be a bidding war, but not to our benefit. Both clubs only need to trigger his release clause and then all the power we have is gone, and the two clubs would compete to provide the best financial package to the player. There isn't a scenario were we can get more than the release clause.

Lewis Barclay
690 Posted 25/05/2013 at 09:48:05

I've resigned myself to Felli leaving this summer since January, I thought we all had!? Much rather see him go to Manure than to Chelsea or another side that are closer we were closer in the league to this year.

We can't afford Rooneys wages, unless having his second child has softened his wage requirements I strongly doubt he'll be banging in any goals at the GSE this season.

So £24m, plus £56m from tv rights and our 6th place finish and the loss of our highest paid employee at £4m a year... Doesn't that sound like a rather healthy position to be in when looking to bring in some good players to the squad?

Now we just need to find someone decent to identify them!

Ian Bennett
693 Posted 25/05/2013 at 10:01:40

If it is £24m to release him, is that £24m upfront or £24m over 5 years etc? Can we turn down bids in preference to 100% upfront amount?

Paul Dewhurst
696 Posted 25/05/2013 at 10:15:43

Ian transfers between British clubs have to be paid in 12 months - eg Rooney 10m upfront 10m 12 months later 20m plus bonuses. Deals outside of the country can split over the contract length (I may be corrected) I would guess if there is a release fee this could be rejected if not met within the 12 months, however it could also depend on the terms of the release fee as written in the contract. So in other words nobody knows unless they know what the contract states

Mike Powell
713 Posted 25/05/2013 at 11:31:45

Keep your hands off our players, Moyes. Those fucking Mancs are always taking the piss out off us, they think they can just take their pick off our players whenever they like.

Denis Richardson
723 Posted 25/05/2013 at 11:50:02

£24M in the bank, £75k a week off the wage bill, Round also finally gone — really great times around the corner for EFC.

I am looking forward to seeing the faces of the Man Utd fans next year. Moyes and Round in the dugout and some defender blasting the ball 50 yards upfield trying to hit Fellaini in the No 10 role (he would have started in DCM but around 60 min, and with the game not going to plan, he's been pushed up top).

Oh, bring on next season... It would just be great if the first game is Man Utd at home. 4-0 to Everton, Jelavic hat-trick (Roberto Martinez having told him to play around the box), Barkley with the other goal (having played from the start), a mazey run and top corner finish...

Oh happy days!!

Ian Bennett
772 Posted 25/05/2013 at 14:04:29

Thanks Paul. I know that Kenwright raised both inter divisional loans and spreading transfer payments over the length of the contract in Britain. I don't know if the latter came in or not.

I am fairly resigned to him going, I just want all the cash to invest now.

Darren Alexander
882 Posted 25/05/2013 at 17:40:54

If Fellaini does go I too think Wanyama would be worth getting in. Also, and thinking about realistic targets for us, I think Huddlestone could do a job for us and he doesn't seem to be a massive part of Spuds' plans under AVB - maybe get him for £5M - £7M?

Craig Harrison
115 Posted 24/05/2013 at 22:00:00

I assume we will get compenstation then. Put Dunc as the first team assistant and have him pacing up and down the touch line

Eric Myles
187 Posted 26/05/2013 at 02:07:13

Lewis #690, looks good on paper, lets hope our Other Operating Costs don't myseriously double again in one season with this windfall.

Dick Fearon
509 Posted 26/05/2013 at 22:19:19

Should Moyes sign him I can visualise Fellaini absolutely slaughtering what will remain of our midfield. There will be dozens of red faces on TWs forum. As with Rooney they will all be screaming that at any fee less than 40 mil and we have been ripped off. Not only Moyes but other vultures are circling looking to strip the flesh of our bones and unless a manager is appointed damn quick the club will see more of its prized assets enticed away for ridiculously small amounts.
Bill should delay for a few minutes his 24/7 search for an 'investor' to naming a much more immediate concern of our new manager. After that it would take mili seconds for him to recognise and do something about those idiots in the back room have created an almighty and completely uneccessary balls up with the new badge.
C'mon Bill lets show the world that we are not Uniteds or anyone elses bitch.,

Colin Glassar
513 Posted 26/05/2013 at 22:51:01

Knowing BK, he will probably 'sell' Fellaini to his beloved David for around five million quid. If Moyes does come in for any of our lads then he is a low-life scumbag IMO. He left us without any compo, and now he's taking one of our best players.

Colin Southern
519 Posted 26/05/2013 at 23:02:36

Colin Glassar (513) you do us Evertonians and ToffeeWeb a great disservice with such bitter and vindictive comments.

We've got good players why wouldnt other managers try to come in for our players. Does that mean who ever is in charge of our team when they go and buy players that from other teams then they are also 'low-life scumbag IMO'?

A truly pathetic comment.

Jackie Barry
520 Posted 26/05/2013 at 23:14:06

Bring Southall in as the goalkeeping coach or some other position, he knows what Everton FC are about.

Colin Glassar
526 Posted 26/05/2013 at 23:24:31

Colin southern, he knows the exact value of each player I.e. inside information. He knows which players would jump ship to join him etc... In other words, he has us over a barrel. Plus the fact that he never had any intention of signing a new contract so he led us down the garden path for over 12 months. If he's a paragon of virtue in your opinion good luck to you.

Colin Southern
652 Posted 27/05/2013 at 10:46:05

Colin Glassar, whether you like Moyes or not your comments are very wrong and add no value to the debate you labled Moyes a 'low life scumbag' which is a pretty low comment and you're making a supposition that he had no intention of signing a contract.

Some of the people of here are trying to do revisionism on what how far we've come and all the work Moyes has achieved. Some have said he's stabilised the club and thats all he's done - seriously ? I find this incredible and deeply myopic.

Whether Moyes does come in for some of our players and coaching staff that is a different matter. And if he had any nous about him he would just like all the other managers do. Just look across the park a certain manger said he wouldnt go back for any of the Swansea players and yet he did - true to form!

I seriously hope he doesnt go and take anyone form Everton, but I know he will at some stage as he does know the players. I look at it pragmatically that if he stumps up £40 million then that can only clear part of our debt and enable us to buy more players which we could all see in January that we desperately needed.

However, that doesnt make him a 'low life scumbag' though does it?

Colin Southern
654 Posted 27/05/2013 at 11:01:04

Jackie Barry (520), I love that too but no-one will go near Southall as a coach for some reason

Brent Stephens
659 Posted 27/05/2013 at 11:12:47

If a girl leaves me for another guy, she's a scumbag. If she leaves another guy for me, she's cute.

Ernie Baywood
661 Posted 27/05/2013 at 11:17:24

Colin #654 judging by his autobiography he was a nightmare to work with. That's probably the reason.

Dean Barton
668 Posted 27/05/2013 at 11:35:57

For £24 mil I would drive him there myself. Buy a big striker AKA Lukaku or Benteke, play Mirallas up front with them and get a pacey right sided player, AKA Mcmanaman, Sinclair or Ince. Surely that money would get them!!

Colin Southern
669 Posted 27/05/2013 at 11:47:31

Brent Stephens (659) 'If a girl leaves me for another guy, she's a scumbag. If she leaves another guy for me, she's cute.' I'd forgotten about that LOL! Mabe Colin had a bit of a crush on Moyes and is deeply racked like a scorned lover!

Dean Barton (668), I totally agree £24 mil would certainly enable us to move forward hopefully with a god manager in place too - and you can borrow my car as well!

Eugene Ruane
682 Posted 27/05/2013 at 12:27:05

Brent (659) - "If a girl leaves me for another guy, she's a scumbag. If she leaves another guy for me, she's cute".

Given we might end up with Phil Neville as manager a more apt question might be "What do you call a girl who fucks an entire football team?"

Ray Jacques
724 Posted 27/05/2013 at 13:52:26

What if she leaves you for another girl, ha ha???

Sell Fellaini as we have been expecting this for a while and his second half to the season was average (down to attitude??).

However we must replace him with pacey, young box to box midfielders, not as someone noted the likes of Scott Parker aka Phil Neville Mk 2.

Brent Stephens
726 Posted 27/05/2013 at 14:02:10

Eugene, incest we trust?

Ray, then she's still kinda cute and I still want to "know her"!

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