Marouane Fellaini has turned himself from the laughing stock that encapsulated the David Moyes era at Old Trafford to an important part of Jose Mourinho's squad but one team won't give up hope of signing him.
When Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United in 2013 there was no doubt, despite winning the Premier League in Fergie's last season, that the squad needed vast improvement if they were to continue fighting for titles.
Instead that summer only Marouane Fellaini arrived as David Moyes era kicked off with him missing out on signing the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos, Ander Herrera, Thiago Alcantara and Gareth Bale.
The early part of Fellaini's United career made him a figure of hate. Image: PA
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The former Everton man found it difficult to fit in at Old Trafford, mainly because Moyes struggled at United and was stuck between playing the Belgian as a central midfielder and a number 10.
But Fellaini's fortunes have somewhat turned around in the intervening years and under Jose Mourinho he has become an important member of the squad, if not the first team, and he has been missed during his recent injury.
However that ascent has not put off Besiktas from signing him. Club official Metin Albayrak told press this weekend, via Turkish Football, that after scouting the 29 year old in pre season they hadn't given up hope of signing him, saying:
"Transfer plans never end, we are always working. Fellaini is on our list, we have made efforts to sign him but not just him.
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"He is not the only player we scouted, our scouting team watched 20 games live this week. We are keeping tabs on several players.
"The club has plans for Turkey and Europe, there are negotiations. We want to make the signing for the winter transfer window or for the end of the season."
Fellaini made a cameo appearance as a sub in United's loss against Chelsea. Image: PA
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Clearly the Turkish side would like to sign a midfielder in January and the Manchester United man seems to be their top target however he is more likely to move in the summer with his contract running out and no new deal actually in place yet.
The former Standard Liege player has previously also been tracked by Galatasaray but Mourinho has wanted to keep him at Old Trafford and has got the best out of him at times.
Fellaini would likely only sign a one year deal if he stayed at Old Trafford so might move for free in May.
Featured Image Credit:Topics:ย Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini, Besiktas