Since then United have bought Michael Owen, and it was obvious the kitty was empty. Now Everton manager David Moyes is chasing the French striker to solve his own side's goalscoring blues.
Anelka, who only moved to Fenerbahce from Manchester City last January in a £5.3million deal, is keen to return to the Premiership.
Anelka: "Perhaps I will leave Fenerbahce in the summer or before. The club knows my position. I came to play in the Champions League and help the club get through the first round – but it hasn't worked out. I would like to have second opportunity to play for a big club – that is why I gave my best with Fenerbahce."
Anelka, 26, burst on to scene with Arsenal, winning the double in 1998 before leaving for Real Madrid in a controversial £23million deal. He has also played for Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool and was memorably nicknamed 'Le Sulk' for his habit of falling out with managers.
Fenerbahce would expect to recoup the money they paid for Anelka a year ago, and Everton could find his reported £50,000-a-week wage demands a problem.