Journalist disagree on Fellaini’s £23.5m buy-out clause, as United prepare bid for Everton midfielder.
Manchester United have turned to Everton’s Marouane Fellaini after being frustrated in their attempts to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, reports the Guardian.
The Red Devils have reportedly opened talks with Everton, as boss David Moyes eyes a reunion with his former Toffees charge.
Moyes has so far been frustrated in his efforts to add a world-class midfielder to his United squad, with Thiago Alcantara opting to join Bayern Munich from Barcelona and the Catalans refusing to sell former Arsenal captain Fabregas to the Premier League champions.
United have had two bids for the 26-year-old Spain international rejected and the club have also been frustrated in their attempts to sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid.
Fellaini, 25, was signed by Moyes for £15m from Standard Liege in 2008 and the Guardian says the Belgium international has a £23.5m buy-out, which does not expire until 15 August.
However, London-based Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur is adamant that the clause is Fellaini’s contract has already expired:
The release clause in Marouane #Fellaini‘s contract definitely has expired. But I dont know about which fee the clubs are talking. #MUFC
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) August 7, 2013
If that proves the case, United could be forced to pay significantly more for the powerful midfielder, with the Merseyside outfit likely to demand close to the £30m Moyes is willing to pay for Fabregas.
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