New United Boss Moyes Prepares £40m Raid on Everton for Next Season - Report

David Moyes is to begin his six-year reign as Manchester United boss with the signings of Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. The Mirror believes the Englishman and the Belgian will be valued at £40m together, with the latter an expected replacement for striker Wayne Rooney and the former a long-time United target.

Moyes will take over from Sir Alex Ferguson on 1 July and his first task will be settling the future of England striker Wayne Rooney. The 27-year-old worked with Moyes when he was at Everton but the two do not share a particularly cordial relationship. As a result, Rooney, who has been consistently linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford, is likely to push for a transfer despite the club being reluctant to release him.

Should Rooney, as is expected, leave the club then Fellaini will be his replacement. The 25-year-old midfielder will solve United's present problem with a lack of central midfielders and his ability to play as a striker or in a more advanced role will afford Moyes tactical options.

Fellaini is believed to have a £23m release clause in his contract and Moyes, with the riches of United behind him, will probably activate that clause.

Baines for Evra

Meanwhile, a potential move for Baines will continue in Ferguson's footsteps. The outgoing United boss is a long-time admirer of the left-back and was linked to the English international in August last year. At that time, unfortunately, the Toffees were unwilling to sell and Ferguson turned to Dutch youngster Alexander Buttner from Vitesse Arnhem.

However, the 24-year-old has struggled to fit into the first team, leaving the 31-year-old Patrice Evra as the only viable option in that position. Baines' arrival should give the French international some much-needed breathing space and cover.

A fee of roughly £17m has been mentioned.