Forget Fabregas and Herrera, Moyes' next big signing at United could be £1.5m midfielder from Chesterfield

David Moyes may look to strengthen his Manchester United side with a January swoop for Chesterfield's highly-rated midfielder Tendayi Darikwa.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a target for the Barclays Premier League champions and Moyes was at the Highbury Stadium on Saturday to watch Darikwa play in Chesterfield's 1-1 draw at Fleetwood.

Should the United boss aim to follow up his interest with a January bid, it would represent a dramatic change of focus compared to his summer midfield targets.

All smiles: Manchester United manager David Moyes (third right) acknowledges a spectator during Fleetwood's 1-1 draw with Chesterfield at the Highbury Stadium

Focused: Moyes (left) keeps tabs on the action during the weekend's League Two draw between Fleetwood and Chesterfield

One for the album: A fan takes a picture of Moyes during the 1-1 stalemate at the Highbury Stadium

Top flight target: Chesterfield's Tendayi Darikwa (left) was in action at the Highbury Stadium Before the start of the season, United were knocked back by Barcelona following their interest in £30m rated Cesc Fabregas. While a £30.5m move for Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera collapsed on transfer deadline day as the Red Devils tried to spend big in an attempt to defend their title. They also tried to sign Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.

Chesterfield midfielder Darikwa is someone whom Moyes tracked while at Everton last season and is also under the radar of Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham. Darikwa's superb form at the start of the season has only heightened Moyes' interest in the player who is valued at £1.5m, with the Spireites top of League Two following the draw at Fleetwood.

Previous targets: United tried to sign Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera (right) for lots of money in the summer



Chesterfield's chief executive Paul Cook is aware of the interest from Premier League clubs for the 21-year-old, and admits he doesn't know how long the club can hold on to their prized asset.

Cook said: 'Tendayi is a lad we know clubs are looking at. Will someone take him soon? That's out of my hands. But certainly as a young player there will not be many better around the country.'

Tendayi is a product of the Chesterfield youth academy and has made over 50 appearances since making his debut three years ago.