David Moyes switches sights to Newcastle playmaker after Fellaini frustration.
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Manchester United manager David Moyes looks set to focus on a new midfield target once again, with reports emerging that Arsenal’s bid for Yohan Cabaye has rekindled United’s interest in the Newcastle playmaker.
United have been linked with Cabaye before, as he is one of several players who has been eyed up as a potential long term successor to Paul Scholes in the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield, and they will now make the Frenchman their top target after a frustrating summer in the transfer market.
Moyes has so far failed to bring in any of his midfield targets, missing out to Bayern Munich for Thiago Alcantara, and being told by Barcelona that former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is not for sale.
The latest disappointment is set to come in the form of a rejection by Everton for Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini. The 25-year-old had a breakthrough season for the Toffees under Moyes last season, and has seen his value rise to close to £30million. However, United have failed to match Everton’s valuation for the player with their bids so far, which have also seen them go in for left-back Leighton Baines.
Cabaye could now be the solution to United’s problems, as he seems likely to leave Newcastle after two seasons at St James’ Park. The 27-year-old missed last night’s trip to Manchester City as manager Alan Pardew revealed he was unsettled by the £10million offer that had come in for him from Arsenal.
Arsenal’s opening bid has been rejected by Newcastle, but it is thought that they will come back with an improved offer of around £15million, though the Magpies are holding out for £20million, with French moneybags PSG and Monaco also interested in their star player.
Arsenal may not be keen on over-paying for Cabaye, as they have shown a frugality in the transfer market so far this summer that has seen them miss out on top targets such as Gonzalo Higuain and Luiz Gustavo, which may give United an edge in landing the player.
Moyes should have money to spend, as he has reportedly been willing to pay as much as £40million for Fabregas, so the Scot will be confident in persuading Newcastle to sell the player.
Cabaye will be sold at a huge profit, as the talented midfielder arrived for just £4million from Lille two seasons ago, and it is thought that Pardew has already lined up another French attacker, Lyon’s Yoann Gourcuff, as a potential replacement for the departing Cabaye.