The New Manchester
United manager David Moyes has stepped up his pursuit of Leighton Baines at
former club Everton by making an improved £16m offer for the defender,
according to the Daily Star.
United’s first offer of £12m for Baines was rejected by Everton Chairman Bill
Kenwright, but Moyes will not give up that easily and has come straight back
with an increased bid.
The 28-year-old is one of only a handful of
players at Goodison
Park that are believed to
have the talent to be able to step-up to the demands of the Red Devils.
Due to Moyes’ 11-year tenure at Everton it was
thought he would be able to tempt stars from the club more easily, although
it’s now clear Kenwright isn’t going to do his former employee any favour.
United are looking to strengthen at left-back
with stalwart Patrice Evra strongly linked with a move back to AS Monaco and
uncertainties over whether Alexander Buttner and Fabio are ready to make the
step up.
Therefore Baines has been highlighted as a
definite candidate and an impressive six years on Merseyside has seen the
full-back’s reputation grow.
Since a £6.6m switch from Wigan Athletic in 2007
the Englishman has gone from strength to strength, making 241 appearances in
all competitions for the club and contributing an excellent 37 assists.
Baines has also caught the eye of England boss Roy Hodgson, despite a prolonged
period of dominance at left-back by Chelsea’s
Ashley Cole and the defender has earned 17 caps to date and scored one goal.
The ball is back in the Toffees’ park now as
United and Moyes wait to see if £16m is good enough.