Manchester United have completed the signing of Marouane Fellaini from Everton, the deal being concluded in the final minutes of the transfer window.

Roberto Martínez responded to his departure by bolstering Everton’s midfield with James McCarthy, who joined from Wigan Athletic, and Manchester City’s Gareth Barry.

Fellaini’s arrival provided a happy ending to what had appeared a shambolic deadline day for Manchester United, as their attempt to sign Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera collapsed.

David Moyes identified Herrera as a potential target and it was believed United were willing to pay Athletic’s €36m asking price.

It then appeared three United officials had arrived at La Liga headquarters in Madrid to complete the formalities that would allow Herrera to finalise a move to Old Trafford.

However, it now seems the trio were imposters and had nothing to do with United at all. Subsequently, United withdrew from the transfer, even though it was established they had an additional hour to conclude the deal providing a deal sheet with the signature of both clubs and the player was submitted to the Premier League.

Insiders claimed that Moyes felt the buyout clause was too high and attempts to try and bring the fee down failed.

It means United, who were also said to have failed with an attempt to sign Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, were left to rush through the transfer of Fellaini.

Guardian Service