Leighton Baines- Everton
Baines is one of the most reliable defenders currently playing in the Premier League and is currently in a battle with Ashley Cole to be England’s number one left back. Baines is excellent in defence but really excels when he goes forward as he can deliver an excellent cross whilst also having plenty of pace. He is also capable of scoring excellent free-kicks, which is certainly a plus when a club looks to sign a defender. Despite his excellent spell with Everton, the defender could now be set to leave Goodison Park, with Old Trafford his most likely destination.
David Moyes recently left Everton to become Manchester United’s new manager and it is widely known that he wants to bring Baines with him. The 28 year old was one of Moyes most trusted lieutenants during the Scots time at Everton and he would love to bring that reliability with him to Old Trafford. Manchester United recently offered Everton £10 million for Baines but the Toffess quickly rejected United’s bid, saying that Baines isn’t for sale and certainly not for a lowly £10 million. Moyes won’t give up that easily and reports suggest that the Scot will soon go back to Goodison Park with an improved offer, thought to be around £12 million. However, Everton value Baines at around £18 million and are unlikely to accept United’s newest bid.
Many at Old Trafford are thought to be reluctant to go much over £15 million for a player that will turn 29 in December and will have relatively no sell on value. It maybe down to the player himself to try and force through a move to Old Trafford but that seems unlikely at the moment. Baines is a very loyal individual and will not try and force his way out of Everton due the support they have shown him during his time at the club. At the moment is appears to be a stalemate in the race to sign Baines and it looks to be up to United to decide how much they really want to spend on the left back.