Steven Defour likely to replace Paul Scholes at United

Steven Defour has long been linked to Manchester United, and now his agent has confirmed that the move may happen in January. Defour can play both in the centre of midfield and as an attacking midfielder. He is 22 years old and plays for Belgian club Standard Liege. Liverpool and Everton are also said to be interested in the player, but papers are reporting that Defour would prefer a move to Old Trafford.

Defour won the Golden Shoe, an award for the most valuable Belgian league player, in 2008. He did not play much in the 2009/10 campaign after breaking his leg in September 2009. A much-reported story was the fact that Sir Alex ferguson sent the player a letter to wish him a speedy recovery. He also promised to keep in touch with his progress, signalling an intent to sign the player in the future. Many papers are reporting that the signing of Defour is not a case of ‘If’ but a case of ‘When’. Defour has recovered well from his injury and continued to impress for Standard. For Standard Liege, he has won the domestic league (Jupiler League) twice, in 2007/08 and 2008/09. He is seen by many as the ideal under-study to Paul Scholes and his eventual successor. His agent Paul Stefani did not deny that a move can happen in January:

“It is very early in Defour’s return from injury, and it is early to talk about a transfer, but January is a possibility for him. In January if we can do something for him we will do it. He has recovered well and is playing really well at the moment, so maybe something could happen.”

“He is playing very well and is the leader of the side, everyone is very impressed with him at the moment. So you never know in football, a move could be possible.”

“Yes I think he can play this position [Scholes’s position], it is natural for him. He was excellent at the weekend and his recovery from injury has been impressive. But it is not up to me to decide if he can play in that position.”