Rumour: Manchester United well advanced in pursuit of Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman

Manchester United manager David Moyes has been given permission by the club’s hierarchy to pursue a summer transfer for Everton full-back Seamus Coleman, reports the Mirror.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Goodison Park and former boss Moyes wants to be reunited with the Irishman at Old Trafford.

Coleman was given his first chance in England by Moyes, who he paid £60,000 to League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers for the youngster’s services in 2008 and has seen him flourish into one of the best right sided defenders in the division.

Reports have emerged that talks are already under way with the player’s representatives, with the view to a £15 million move for the defender in the pipeline and United are said to be confident of securing a move. The Mirror believe that talks are at an advanced stage, with Old Trafford insiders suggesting that an outline deal has already been agree with Everton.

United are in desperate need of a right-back with Rafael, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all failing to convince Moyes that they are capable of filling the position this season.

The proposed move will anger many Everton fans, as Moyes has now attempted to prise several of the Toffees’ best players to United since he left the club to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer.

The Scot failed in his efforts to convince Leighton Baines to make a transfer but midfielder Marouane Fellaini joined the Red Devils in a £27.5 million deadline deal.

However, while their former manager’s debut season at United has been a disaster, Roberto Martinez has installed a positive, expansive brand of football that has been embraced from top to bottom on the blue half of Merseyside.

Seamus Coleman is the highest scoring defender in the Premier League this season with a total of six.