David Moyes’ first attempt to reunite with one of his former players has been stopped in its tracks as Everton have rejected Manchester United’s £12m bid for England international left-back, Leighton Baines.
Baines has been on United’s radar for some time now and it seems that Moyes has decided to act on the league champions’ interest and attempt to lure the Everton star to the club but Moyes is certainly going to have to return with an improved offer as Everton have branded the left-back as “not for sale”.
New Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, is believed to be pushing the full-back towards signing a new contract at the club but Moyes’ move could potentially throw a spanner into the works if Baines deems the chance to play for his old boss at a more successful to be worth the move.
United’s interest in Baines, who is 28-years-old casts doubt over the future of United vice-captain, Patrice Evra as Baines surely won’t contemplate moving to Old Trafford for a chance to keep the substitutes bench warm.
Baines though has recently spoke of how he is relishing the opportunity of working with his new manager and has spoken to Roberto Martinez regarding the club’s ambitions this season saying he’s “looking forward to working with him. Anyone you speak to only has good things to say about him.”
Only time will tell whether this transfer comes to fruition or not but Everton aren’t desperate for the money so this could become another drawn out saga involving a Manchester United transfer that we’ve become so used to seeing.