Man Utd eye another bid for Everton’s Leighton Baines
Published:Manchester United are set to reignite their interest in Everton full-back Leighton Baines – if the latest transfer rumours are to be believed.
The Daily Mail is reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson is once again looking at signing the England international for a fee thought to be around £15 million.
The 28-year-old is allegedly Ferguson’s first-choice as a long term(ish) replacement for Patrice Evra who has seen his stock decrease somewhat in recent seasons.
Evra has certainly been better for United this season though and, if Ferguson cannot guarantee Baines a regular starting berth, then the Toffee may look elsewhere – and he won’t be short of options.
Arsenal have also been keeping a close eye on him and there are also strong rumours that mega-rich French side Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on taking him to the continent.
One thing that is for sure though, is that Everton will have a tough task on their hands if they want to keep the player at Goodison beyond the summer.
Despite their solid first half of the season and Champions League ambitions, the Merseysiders are in no position to compete with the likes of United or PSG on the wage front (or, perhaps even more importantly, on the trophy-hunting front).
However, they look likely to keep him until the end of the season at least, with Everton boss David Moyes determined to keep one of his prized assets as long as possible.
Speaking to the BBC, Moyes said: “My intention is not to sell anyone this January.”
Everton are currently priced at 4/1 to finish in the Premier League top four, while a top six finish looks nailed on at 4/9.
