Everton are trying hard to hold on to their English full back Leighton Baines by placing a high transfer fee on the player amidst strong interest from Manchester United.
The 27 year old is being considered as the replacement of Patrice Evra at Old Trafford after the Frenchman struggled throughout last season. Baines expressed his joy at being linked to United when contacted prior to the Euros but stopped short of confirming his departure.
‘The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. But I’m at a great club as well, a club that I love.
‘Would it be hard to turn United down? I’m not letting my focus shift to that while I am in camp [with England]. I’m focused on what I’m doing at the moment. Would it be hard to leave Everton? Yes, obviously. You know what it means.”
Everton have set a £17m pricetag on the left back which is believed to be beyond United’s evaluation of the player. Sir Alex Ferguson has prioritized the purchase of a left back this summer and both Baines and Valencia’s Jordi Alba have been linked to the club. The asking price of the Everton playeris likely to put off any interest from Fergie and his team and could spell good news for youngstar Fabio da Silva who might finally get the break into the first team on a more regular basis.