DAVID Beckham has insisted that loyalty to Manchester United would prevent him joining Everton on loan – as a bidding war for James Vaughan edges closer.

The former England captain admitted he has huge respect for Blues boss David Moyes, ever since their playing days in the same Preston side in 1995.

Reports had linked LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham, 35, with a loan move to a Premier League team in January.

And Moyes revealed that he would be interested in working with the ex-Manchester United star again, along with his Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan.

But asked yesterday if a move to Everton was on the cards, Beckham said: “No – I’m a Manchester United fan and Everton is too close to home.

“It is always flattering to be linked with big clubs even if that would only be for a few months on loan.

“I have massive respect for David Moyes – I have had ever since we played together at Preston.”

Meanwhile, Leicester City are considering a £500,000 move for striker Vaughan in the new year.

The 22-year-old was on loan at the Walkers Stadium earlier this year and helped the Foxes qualify for the Championship play-offs last season.

Vaughan, who is the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer, is currently on loan at Crystal Palace where he has scored five in 12 games but is set to return to Goodison in January.

He found the net only once in eight games for the Foxes towards the end of last season and previously had a loan spell with Derby County that was restricted to just two games through injury.

But now Vaughan, who has been capped by England at under-17s, under-19s and under-21s levels, is a target for the Foxes, and Crystal Palace boss George Burley is also considering a bid.

Meanwhile, Phil Neville expects to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea. The influential former England international was forced to miss last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to West Brom with a knee problem.

The 33-year-old said: “The injury is coming on. It has taken longer than I thought to clear up but I should be back for the weekend.

“It was stiff after Sunderland and, having played that game, I probably knew I would miss West Brom but I should be back in full training by the middle of the week and then back in to face Chelsea.”

Everton are in need of a lift after their heavy loss to the Baggies and a run of five games without a win.

Mikel Arteta will be missing at Stamford Bridge as he begins a three-match ban but key midfielder Marouane Fellaini will return from his own suspension.

Fellaini was making his comeback from a hamstring injury when he was sent off against Bolton earlier this month.

“Marouane has been missed,” Neville said. “He came back for one game and he looked brilliant against Bolton. He looked super fit and then he got himself sent off. He must learn but he is back now.”