It has been revealed that Manchester United have made another audacious double bid for Everton’s Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.
The Red Devils have had a $42 million bid rejected for the duo, as United boss David Moyes looks to his old club to strengthen his squad.
However, the Toffees are not going to sell two of their star players on the cheap. Not at all.
Three weeks ago Fellaini alone was worth $34.5 million, as that was the release clause in his contract. However that clause expired and now the 25-year-old Belgian cannot be sold unless Everton accept the bid.
Baines and Fellaini are both top quality Premier League players, in their prime and established internationals. That’s why this bid from United is so ridiculous.
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Yes, we understand that you have to try and get value for money. Everyone in the Premier League is holding out for that. But what United offered for Everton’s prized possessions is a little bit embarrassing. For one of the richest and most prestigious clubs in the world to offer such a paltry sum is disrespectful to Everton.
Baines, 28, is worth at least $20 million on his own. At least. While Fellaini is obviously worth almost $40 million. So United are almost $20 million off in their estimations.
Moyes signed Baines from Wigan in 2007 for $10 million and Fellaini from Standard Liege in 2008 for $23 million when he was Everton manager. And with their sensational performances under Moyes at Everton, their value has sky-rocketed. They both started in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Norwich on Saturday and Blues manager Roberto Martinez has reiterated time and time again that he wants to keep them.
Everton are said to be angry and upset by the bids for their big name players, with chairman Bill Kenwright reportedly not happy at all. United had exactly the same bid for the duo rejected back in July, so why did they think Everton would sell for the same price now?
It makes no sense. With Everton disappointed by United’s transfer policy, the Red Devils may have just lost out on two of their top transfer targets.
For United, it’s back to the drawing board... and time to get serious with their bids.