Man Utd Transfer News: £28 Million Fellaini & Baines Bid Rejected

By Joseph Dempsey /

Manchester United have failed with a combined £28 million bid for Everton's midfielder Marouane Fellaini and left-back Leighton Baines, according to the BBC. The Premier League champions offered £16 million for Fellaini, whose £23.5 million release clause expired at the end of July, while United have made the same £12 million bid they offered for Baines back in June. The double swoop was reportedly "flatly rejected" by the Toffees. Though United have now made two bids for Baines, this marks the first time the Red Devils have shown an official interest in Fellaini, who has been linked with a move to the Old Trafford outfit for much of the summer. New United manager David Moyes is keen to be reunited with both Fellaini and Baines, whom he signed for Everton from Standard Liege and Wigan Athletic, respectively. It is in midfield that Moyes has identified as a weak spot this season and Fellaini, who can operate defensively and offensively, would certainly help in these regards. Meanwhile, the Scot is also seeking a long-term replacement for veteran left-back Patrice Evra, and has had Baines on his radar since June. It remains to be seen if United will come back in with a fresh offer at this stage.