According to Daily Mail reports from last week, Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini.
United will welcome any potential suitors for a permanent deal this January with Sunderland one of the clubs mentioned along with West Ham. However, the Wearsiders are reportedly restricted by their transfer budget this winter.
Nonetheless, if David Moyes can convince the Sunderland board to part with the necessary funds to sign the towering midfielder, it could prove a masterstroke by the former United manager.
Any potential move would see Moyes and Fellaini reacquainted for the third time in their careers, as the duo have previously worked together at both Everton and Old Trafford.
Linking up once more at the Stadium of Light could be a decisive factor in the club surviving another season in the top flight. Here are four reasons why Sunderland must sign Fellaini in the coming transfer window.
Versatility
Fellaini may not be considered a fan favourite at Old Trafford but the 29-year-old Belgian possess one talent like no other in the Red Devils squad.
The 6ft. 5 Fellaini can play in either an attacking or defensive position and regularly played behind the striker for David Moyes during his time at Everton.
Options is something Moyes lacks at the Stadium of Light, and Fellaini could go a long way to resolving that issue.
Upgrade on Sunderland’s midfielders
Signing Fellaini instantly increases the quality David Moyes has within his Sunderland squad, which will help in their attempt to survive another relegation battle.
Players such as Lee Cattermole, Sebastian Larsson, and Lynden Gooch are adequate team players for Moyes but signing someone of the calibre of Fellaini’s ability adds much more to the Wearsiders’ starting XI.
Signing Fellaini could cost Moyes upwards of £20million, nonetheless, his importance to their survival bid could be priceless.
Set-piece threat
One of the biggest concerns for Sunderland this season remains their inability to both attack and defend from set-pieces.
Fellaini could add another dimension to the Mackems’ attack similar to what supporters witnessed during his time at Goodison Park with Everton.
Defensively, Fellaini is capable of man-marking any threat from corners or free kicks, which should add some protection to a leaky Sunderland defence.
Experience
The Belgian international is now into their ninth season in the Premier League and Moyes may not find a player with Fellaini’s experience anywhere else in January.
Not only does Fellaini know the Premier League, but he could also help assist in the development of Didier N’Dong, who has shown promise but struggled to deliver since arriving at the Stadium of Light during the summer.
It’s really a no-brainer for David Moyes.
