Ex-Toffee warns club over keeping defender.
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Former Everton midfielder Peter Beardsley has said that losing Leighton Baines would be ‘a hammer blow’ for the club, talkSPORT reports.
The Merseysiders rejected a joint £28 million bid for Baines and midfielder Marouane Fellaini earlier this week, describing the offer as ‘derisory and insulting’.
However, United boss David Moyes is largely expected to return with an improved offer for his former players in the coming days, and Beardsley has insisted that the club do everything they can to keep the England left back, but understands that it may be tough for them to resist.
“I hope they can keep both of them, but I really hope they can keep hold of Baines,” he said.
“No disrespect to Fellaini, who’s a great player, but he’s a bit more replaceable than Baines. Everton have got a few midfielders and I think they’ve got an interest in James McCarthy at Wigan if Fellaini goes.
“But I think losing Baines would be a hammer blow. Manchester United have got the pulling power so it could go either way.”
Both players have so far maintained their silence on the matter and featured during the side’s opening day 2-2 draw with Norwich City.