Manchester United rejected Jack Rodwell for £15m

With Toffees boss David Moyesdesperately searching for funds to strengthen the side - and unwilling to sell star players such as Phil Jagielka cash-strapped Goodison Park chiefs allegedly offered promising anchorman Rodwell to Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, despite the fact Fergie was willing to pay in excess of £20m for the youngster just 12 months ago, a frustrating last season for Rodwell saw United pass up on the cut-price oppourtunity.

Mikel Arteta was eventually sold to Arsenal for £10m on deadline day, and now the England U21 star is sensing his oppourtunity to rebuild his reputation with the Blues.

‘He (Arteta) will be sorely missed but it's a good opportunity for him and we've got a lot of young players who can fill in,’ said Rodwell.

‘Am I ready to step up and fill his boots? Yeah, definitely. I'm ready now. I feel fit, I feel sharp and focused.

‘What I've been missing in my career is 30 back-to-back games and getting a good run of form and confidence.

‘So hopefully this season I can do that. This is the season for me.’