Man United swoop on Baines as Evra replacement

Patrice Evra may be on his way out of Old Trafford if Manchester United are successful in their bid to lure England full back Leighton Baines from Everton.

United have opened talks with Everton to sign the England left back Leighton Baines in a massive deal, according to the Mirror.

United supremo David Gill has contacted Goodison chief Bill Kenwright to open the bidding and the Old Trafford club are prepared to pay £12 million for the classy defender, it added.

Kenwright does not want to sell Baines and will raise the stakes to £15 million.

Baines is hopeful the bid would be accepted before he heads off with England for Euro 2012.

United's swoop on Baines comes as a surprise since French international Evra has been a regular for a long time.

But his form of late dipped in the latter part of the campaign and Sir Alex Ferguson wants to strengthen the last line of defence after losing the title to Manchester City.

Baines has proved his worth since joining David Moyes's men from Wigan.

Baines is under contract but a big offer would give Moyes the financial clout to do business of his own - with Tottenham 'old boy' Steven Pienaar in his sights.
 

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