Everton angry with Moyes over Fellaini-Baines bids

LONDON — Manchester United manager David Moyes’ relationship with former club Everton could be soured following the rejection of his joint £28 million (S$55.9 million) bid for left-back Leighton Baines and attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Although he left on good terms in May to succeed Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, the timing of Moyes’ move for two key players in Roberto Martinez’s squad at the start of the English Premier League season is regarded by the Merseyside club to be derisory and de-stabilising.

Fellaini, whose exit clause of £23 million expired last month, was the subject of a £16 million offer, and Baines was wanted for £12 million.

Everton have made it clear they have no wish to sell either player before the summer transfer window closes on Sept 2. But even if there is a price on their heads United’s valuation is a minimum of £13 million short.

An Everton spokesman responded to the report published in yesterday’s Liverpool Echo by stating: “We can confirm a bid was made and that it was rejected out of hand.”

Moyes left Everton in May after 11 years in charge, and was paid the remainder of his contract until the end of June despite openly meeting players and officials at United’s Carrington training ground before he officially took over from Ferguson on July 1.

He had been expected to make bids for his former players at Everton, but to do so on the eve of a new season, fully aware of the potential de-stabilising consequences to his former team, will be difficult for his former supporters to understand.

Despite financial limitations, Everton had consistently posted top-10 finishes in the Premier League under Moyes, with Baines, 28, and Fellaini, 25, central figures.

England star Baines joined Everton from Wigan in 2007 and has made 200 appearances, scoring 16 goals, while Belgian international Fellaini has scored 25 times in 139 games for the Merseysiders since moving from Standard Liege five years ago.

Everton’s rejection of the joint bid is the latest setback for Moyes and United Executive Vice-President Ed Woodward in their attempts to bring a top-name player to United.

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who had been pursued by United all summer, looks set to remain at the Camp Nou after making public his desire to remain with his boyhood club whom he re-joined from Arsenal two years ago. AGENCIES