Everton midfielder Fellaini to replace retiring Man United star Scholes

With veteran pass-master Paul Scholes confirming his retirement for the second time, Manchester United manager-to-be David Moyes could swoop for Everton’s Marouane Fellaini as his replacement this summer.

Moyes is set to take Sir Alex Ferguson’s spot in the Old Trafford dugout at the end of this season, with rumours already abound that he could return to sign players from his former club.

Defender Leighton Baines is a long-term United target, while Fellaini has gleaned many admirers in the Premier League after another strong season in the top-flight.

And with Scholes hanging up his boots for good, the Red Devils could make use of their new boss’ connections and swoop for Fellaini this summer.

The 25-year-old Belgian has serious Champions League ambitions that are unlikely to be fulfilled in the short-term at Everton, and while the versatile midfielder is happy to stay at Goodison Park he didn’t rule out a move to United.

Fellaini, who will help BT Sport launch their coverage of English football for next season, said: “Every player wants to play in the Champions League. That is the big competition.

“I hope I can do it with Everton. I’m happy here. I’ve been at the club for five years. I’m happy because I know everybody.

“For my future, I want to play in England. The Premier League is the best league. Here there are five, six, seven, eight teams, all of whom think they are good enough to play in the Champions League and want that.

“There isn’t another country in Europe where you get that.”

The big Belgian makes is clear he wants to stay on these shores, while his widely reported £24 million release clause means Everton would be powerless to prevent his departure if United stumped up enough cash.

Fellaini struck the Premier League champions a blow in their first game of the campaign, scoring the winner as Everton won 1-0 against United under Moyes.

And the Toffees number 25 has gone on to total a haul of 12 goals this season in all competitions, showing his class with strikes against fellow big-hitters Manchester City and Arsenal.

Moyes’ appointment has caused United to fall down the betting for the Premier League title next season, with odds of 15/8 offered on this year’s champions winning again in the 2013/14 campaign.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.