Everton warn Manchester United off Baines (Video)
The new Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that his first action at Goodison Park will be to keep Leighton Baines at the club. It has been reported by Mirror Football that Martinez will offer Baines a new deal which would make him the highest paid player at the club in a bid to fend off interest from former Toffees chief David Moyes.
Baines has been a stand-out performer at Goodison Park this season, creating an incredible 116 chances for teammates from left-back. It has led to claims that he should start regularly for England and who is to argue with those claims. With Patrice Evra being linked with a return to Monaco, the signing of Baines could quickly become Moyes’ priority.
The English international may be very good going forward and linking up with Steven Pienaar down Everton’s left, but he has shown that he can defend too. On average he made five defensive actions per game and won 64% of his duels this term. His 79% tackle success rate, is mightily impressive considering he has attempted 92 tackles.
Whilst Baines remains a key figure at Everton, his form was bound to attract interest from elsewhere and a move to Manchester United would not come as any surprise. With Martinez moving to quash these rumours, Everton fans have reason for optimism that Baines will remain loyal to his hometown club.
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