Sir Alex hints at Baines bid

Sir Alex Ferguson may not have finished his summer’s transfer business just yet as it is believed the Scotsman is preparing a bid for Everton left-back Leighton Baines.

Speculation has now intensified as the two clubs square up on Monday in their season opener at Goodison Park where the Toffees are 3/1 to kick off their campaign with a win.

Manchester United have been linked with the England player all summer after Ferguson publically stated his desire to bring in cover for Patrice Evra.

At United’s press conference on Friday to unveil Robin Van Persie, Ferguson said there would be no more signings unless “a certain player became available” in “one more position”. That player is understood to be Baines.

This follows on from United’s decision to loan out young Brazilian Fabio to QPR to help the youngster gain more first team experience.

Ferguson is known to be a long-term admirer of Baines and even considered making an offer for him back in January.

And despite no official approach emerging from that interest, the Man United manager usually gets his man as Van Persie’s transfer demonstrates.

It was widely believed a bid for Baines would have been tabled a lot earlier in the summer but initially Ferguson was put off by a difference in the two club’s valuation of the player, said to be in the region of £5 million.

So it would seem a Sir Alex will now test the resolve of David Moyes with a firm offer but his fellow Scot may well put up fierce resistance.

Everton have already lost one first choice starter this summer in Jack Rodwell so Moyes will likely be highly reluctant to lose another star asset at this point.

Meanwhile United have been quick to repel Chelsea’s interest in Mexico striker Javier Hernandez.

The Red Devils are 2/1 to win back the Premier League title.