Fellaini could leave Everton for big money in January

Reports are emerging that Marouane Fellaini has a £22 million buyout clause in his contract, but will anyone try to activate it in January?

 

The January transfer window can be a testing time for all concerned, especially if you're David Moyes for instance and it's leaked that your prize asset has a release clause in his contract.

 

The Toffees are usually very discreet about their transfer dealings and in this clandestine age of agent power that is no bad thing.

 

Nevertheless, it now appears Everton could suffer the same fate as a helpless Newcastle did when losing Demba Ba to Chelsea last week.

 

Everton would effectively be powerless bystanders if another club is willing to pay the money and Fellaini is willing to move on.

 

At times this season, Fellaini has been almost unplayable, using his extensive frame to bully the opposition from that withdrawn striker role, while still applying a deft touch to leave defenders bamboozled on the deck.

 

Playing further up the pitch than previous seasons, the distinctive midfielder has also added goals to his game, nine in total, making him the first name on the Everton teamsheet.

 

He has helped Everton to their joint-best start in eight years and if they are to engineer a top-four finish - currently a 5.4 prospect - then you feel he would have to stay.

 

However, the Belgian has already spoken openly about his desire to play in the Champions League and considering he has free reign to play in the latter stages of this year's competition - having not turned out for any other club involved this campaign - it makes him an even more attractive proposition to would-be suitors.

 

With the BBC claiming that the clause activation figure is potentially upward of the £22 million reported elsewhere, this does however limit the number of clubs who could make a move for the player.

 

Current holders Chelsea have been strongly linked with the Belgian in recent weeks and this could be the catalyst for a bid, with Arsenal another side rumoured to be willing to break the bank for Fellaini's services.

 

But Everton's lifeline may be that Chelsea's recent exit from Europe's top competition could lessen the appeal of a January move to Stamford Bridge.

 

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