Everton are preparing a swoop for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher as their pursuit of Portuguese International Joao Moutinho from Sporting Lisbon seems destined to end in failure.

24-year-old Fletcher has just one-year left on his current deal at Old Trafford, with it believed that the Scottish International could be receptive to a move away from the club where he has been since he was 16.

Toffees boss David Moyes is targeting an experienced midfielder for his Goodison Park side and with his pursuit of number one target Moutinho appearing to have hit the rocks due to the EURO 2008 stars massive buy-out clause, Moyes will now target Fletcher, according to The News of the World.

Fletcher had attracted interest from Sunderland as well as Birmingham City, who made an audacious attempt to bring the Scotsman to St Andrews on loan. With it now believed that Moyes is preparing a £3million bid to prise him away from the Champions League Winners.