OPINION
One of the most high-profile free agents this summer will be Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who is set to leave the club after five years.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the Belgium international has failed to agree terms on a new deal at Old Trafford, and several top European clubs are showing interest.
Ligue 1 side Monaco are the latest to enquire about the 30-year-old, with rivals Paris St-Germain also linked with a move, as well as Turkish giants Besiktas.
However, former club Everton should also consider a swoop for Fellaini, who was a cult hero at the club before his big-money move down the M62.
Fellaini’s time at United could be considered a minor success, with the Belgian destroyer winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time at the club.
However, it is also clear that the midfielder has failed to really live up to expectations at Old Trafford after his brilliant form for Everton before his £28million move.
Fellaini has made 152 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists over his five-year spell, and that represents a sharp decrease in productivity from his days at Everton.
The 30-year-old turned out 177 times for the Toffees, netting 33 goals and and laying on 26 assists in that time, with his form central to the club’s hopes under David Moyes.
While the Belgian has been converted into more of a defensive midfielder during his time in Manchester, his versatility has seen him deployed as an auxiliary striker at times.
That kind of versatility would be welcome at Everton, who need strengthening in central midfield with Morgan Schneiderlin continuing to disappoint.
While Fellaini’s wage demands will undoubtedly be high, the fact that he will come free will offset that issue for Everton, who must plot a sensational return for the former Goodison fan favourite.