Everton are preparing a shock move for Manchester United midfield stalwart Paul Scholes, according to reports in Sunday's press.

Both the Daily Star Sunday and the Sunday Mirror have linked Toffees boss David Moyes with a move for the 34-year-old Scholes.

The one-club star, who has made more than 600 appearances for the champions, is no longer a first choice inclusion for United, but Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to allow the former England man to leave as he still sees him as an important role model and squad man.

Everton already have a strong ex-United contingent at Goodison with Phil Neville, Tim Howard and Louis Saha all plying their trade with the Toffees.

Stoke City, Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers have also been linked with the veteran, who said in December 2008 that he believed he had two years left before he hung up his boots.