Manchester United hope combined total of £50 million can land them FC Barcelona and Everton stars.
David Moyes wants to make a real statement as the new Manchester United manager by conducting a total overhaul of the team’s central midfield, according to the Guardian.
Moyes is eyeing the signings of his former Goodison Park midfield general Marouane Fellaini, and FC Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas – formerly captain at Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Of the two, Fellaini is on paper the easier acquisition.
With a minimum fee release clause of £23 million, Manchester United ought to have little trouble convincing Everton to sell, and the player too is likely to be interested in the move, having previous confirmed his desire to play in the top tier of European competition.
“Every player wants to play in the Champions League. That is the big competition,” Fellaini told the Daily Mirror in May.
Fellaini’s good relationship with Moyes is a positive sign for Manchester United fans, with the Belgian explaining: “He helps the team a lot with their mentality, spirit – tactics as well. He is really important for the team.
“He is a good guy. Yes, when he needs to shout, he shouts. But when he needs to relax, he relaxes. Of course he makes us train hard. Football is like this.”
Fellaini’s 6’4″ frame would add physicality and an edge in aerial battles to the Manchester United midfield, though his flailing elbows have got him into trouble on occasion.
His versatility has seen him deployed up front, behind the striker, and in his favoured position of defensive midfield, and it is in the former two roles that he showcased his attacking ability.
Fellaini was Everton’s top scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals, and provided the second most assists in the squad with five – only Steven Pienaar beating him with six.
Fabregas’ future is rather less clear.
Although the Daily Telegraph report that Manchester United are confident of succeeding with their €30 million (approximately £26m) bid, the Times are rather less convinced that Fabregas will move to Old Trafford.
“The player is not transferable,” an FC Barcelona source told Times journalist James Ducker.
That backs up quotes from the player himself.
“I’ve always said that I’m happy at Barça. Whoever says that I’m leaving doesn’t know me and has never spoken with me,” said Fabregas.
“Nor with my agent, because he knows that I don’t want him to talk with other people about me. I’m very private and I don’t even talk about these things with my family. If someone says anything that isn’t that I want to play at Barça, it’s completely absurd.”
What is as yet unknown is the intentions of Arsenal.
Should Barcelona elect to sell Fabregas – and that does not currently appear likely this summer – the Gunners have first option to re-sign their former skipper at a fixed price of £25m.
The Spain international may not be first choice at Camp Nou this coming season with Neymar’s signing meaning Andres Iniesta will likely be a mainstay in central midfield, but his creativity and goal threat cannot be underestimated.
Cesc Fàbregas: Despite leaving the PL in 2011, Fàbregas has played the most through balls (64) in the last 4 PL seasons (Silva 2nd with 46)
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 15, 2013
Cesc Fábregas: 1 of 4 players in La Liga to reach double figures for both goals (11) & assists (11) in 2012/13 (+ Messi, Ronaldo & Benzema)
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 15, 2013
Regardless, if Manchester United’s bids are successful, the Guardian states that the two players would cost a combined £50m.
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