Manchester United transfer rumour: Fellaini on the verge of Old Trafford exit as West Ham come calling
West Ham United are rumoured to be eyeing a loan deal for Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini in the January transfer window. The Hammers are currently just a point above the relegation zone and the club is set to bring in reinforcements next month in order to turn around their fortunes. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is interested in securing the services of the Belgian as Bilic believes the 29-year-old’s physicality and versatility would come in handy for his side.
Fellaini has been left out of the United starting line-up in recent weeks and had received a lot of stick for his disastrous performance at Goodison Park last weekend. The Belgian came on as a substitute in the 85th minute to help his side see through a 1-0 win, but he ended up gifting Everton a penalty and subsequently a share of the spoils.
With Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho having a large squad at his disposal, West Ham believe that the Red Devils would let Fellaini join them on a loan deal when the transfer window opens next month. However, the East London club would be hoping that United will agree to pay a portion of Fellaini's mammoth wage package.
Bilic recently held crunch talks with the club’s co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, who have backed the 48-year-old, and the Croat has told the club hierarchy that Fellaini would help him shore up the West Ham midfield.
The Hammers are also keen on bringing in a striker, a right-back and a goalkeeper during January. Their number nine, Andy Carrol's injury concerns have restricted him to just two league appearances this season. First choice goalkeeper Adrian is out of form and is currently being an understudy to Darren Randolph. Even though the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has done a decent job so far, the club are chasing Chelsea’s Asmir Begovic who is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham would have hoped to be battling for the European qualification places at this stage of the season, but they find themselves in the bottom half of the table having accumulated just 12 points from their 14 games. The pressure is mounting on manager Slaven Bilic with each passing week and if West Ham’s form does not improve by the new year, the club’s patience with him will run out.
Up next for the Irons is a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool who would be desperate to make a statement after a disappointing 4-3 loss to Bournemouth.
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