Soccer
Manchester United are edging closer towards signing the Everton and England fullback Leighton Baines. Reportedly, Sir Alex Ferguson has placed a £12 million bid on Leighton Baines and is expecting Everton and Manchester United to agree to terms for a permanent transfer before the end of the week.
Leighton Baines has been on Manchester United’s radar for some time now. Manchester United first tried to buy him last summer, after the Red Devils failed to convince Gareth Bale to join their ranks.
Earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson told reporters that Leighton Baines was one of top transfer targets this summer. The legendary Scottish manager sees Leighton Baines as the long-term successor to Manchester United left back Patrice Evra.
Everton manager David Scott Moyes will not be happy about losing Leighton Baines, but his club is under a financial crisis henceforth funds from the transfer will help the club towards stability.
Sir Alex Ferguson wants to complete Leighton Baines transfer as soon as possible. Manchester United is about to go on tour to South Africa and China in the next couple of weeks. Sir Alex Ferguson wants to complete all of his signings before the tour so that the new members of his team have more time to practice together before the start of the new season.
Leighton Baines transfer from Goodison Park to Old Trafford should occur without a hitch. Manchester United can acquire Leighton Baines for £12 million but last minute negotiations and add-ons could increase the price to £16 million. Nonetheless, Sir Alex Ferguson will not have a problem with paying an additional £4 million for Leighton Baines.
David Scott Moyes can use a part of the transfer funds to fuel a bid for the Juventus left back Reto Ziegler. The former Tottenham Hotspur player is a versatile left winger, much like Gareth Bale. Reportedly, Juventus have put him up for sale at a cut-price.
Patrice Evra is expected to remain as the first team left back for Manchester United next season, but the 31-year-old will have to see more bench-time in the upcoming days. Leighton Baines will be Manchester United’s third signing this summer. Previously, Sir Alex Ferguson added Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell to the Manchester United ranks.
The 27-year-old left-back, Leighton Baines is also a free-kick specialist. He scored five goals last season and featured in 42 games for Everton.
