David Moyes is weighing up a move for Marouane Fellaini and the Everton midfielder's £24m release clause is no barrier to any prospective deal should the incoming Manchester United manager decide to lodge a bid. Moyes, though, is not currently minded to bring Fellaini's team-mate Leighton Baines to United.

Moyes is still assessing the United squad and has yet to decide whether to prise Fellaini from Everton, though the Scot is keen to strengthen central midfield. Paul Scholes's retirement, Anderson's unconvincing form and the uncertain future of Darren Fletcher, after his season was ended on Boxing Day by a bowel condition, have left United with only Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverly, plus the 39-year-old Ryan Giggs, as their front-line central midfielders.

Despite Fellaini operating at times in the No10 position from where he scored Everton's winner against United in the opening match of the season, he and Moyes view him as a deep-lying midfielder.

Last week, Fellaini said: "I'm happy with my season, although I didn't play in my best position. I'm not a No10. David Moyes predicts my future as a defensive midfielder, but due to a lack of offensive power, he plays me up front. In the future I want to play as a 6 or an 8. From there I can create danger and score goals."

Fellaini has a strong working relationship with Moyes, who took him to Everton from Standard Liège in 2008, and recently voiced his admiration for the 50-year-old's work ethic, while hinting that if he is to depart Goodison Park it should be for a manager who "really wants me".