The Sunderland manager favourite tried to sign the French international when Everton boss.
David Moyes before the match
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce is all set to leave the Stadium of Light to take up the role of new England head coach imminently.
After making the move Sunderland are widely expected to have former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes lined up as his replacement.

One thing Moyes’ appointment will not change is the Black Cats’ pursuit of French midfield general Yann M’Vila.
The Les Bleus international was instrumental in keeping Sunderland up last season after joining on loan from Rubin Kazan.
Sam Allardyce
He is surplus to requirements at the Russian club and Sunderland would have been expected to continue their pursuit of his signature with Allardyce at the wheel.
But Moyes is also a big fan of M’Vila’s.
Rewind to January 2013 and Everton were one of a host of teams hoping to lure the then Rennes midfielder to England.
David Moyes watches from the stands
But, as reported by the BBC, the midfielder shocked Everton and others by deciding to join the Russian side – a deal that has certainly not developed his career.
The Everton boss then was Moyes and should he take the job at Sunderland, it is unlikely he will change tact in the pursuit of M’Vila.
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