Manchester United are reportedly ready to sell midfielder Marouane Fellaini, if any club meets their asking price of £15m.
The 26-year-old, who was very successful at Everton, has been less than impressive since his £27.5m deadline day arrival at Old Trafford last summer. Though former United boss David Moyes, who had worked with Fellaini at Goodison Park, tried using the player in different roles, the Belgian could not establish himself at United.
And, according to the Express, newly appointed United manager Louis Van Gaal is now looking to offload the Belgian as he does not believe that the former Everton man fits into his plans for next season. And hence, the Red Devils' are now preparing to sell him for a cutprice deal, despite a £12m loss.
Fellaini's move to Old Trafford proved a big disappointment, especially considering the high expectations on him. The big Belgian, who was out of action for three months with a wrist injury, only made 16 appearances in all competitions for the club, and did not manage to find the net even once.
Also, Fellaini made a name for his repeated disciplinary issues on the field, including the time he appeared to have spit on Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta, after elbowing the Argentine. However, he was cleared of the charges due to the lack of evidence.
The hierarchy at United are now reportedly keen on offloading the flop midfielder, instead of giving him another season to prove himself.
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney is hoping that he will be given the captain's armband at United next season.
Now that United's long-time skipper Nemanja Vidic has left the club, van Gaal needs to choose a new captain when he takes over the squad after the World Cup.
Though there are reports that Dutchman Robin van Persie may get the armband as he is already the captain of the Holland under van Gaal, Rooney hopes he will be given the honour of leading the Red Devils as he has spent more time at the club.
"I am interested in the captaincy. I feel I am ready, but it's the manager's decision. I've captained United a few times and to get it on a full-time basis would be great," Rooney told BBC.
However, the England striker added he will have no problems if van Persie is appointed as Vidic's successor.
"Robin is captain of his country, he has captained Arsenal and if he gets the nod, I'm sure he'll do a great job. When a new manager comes in, you always feel you have to prove yourself over again," Rooney added.