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It looks like Moyes’ much vaunted pursuit of Leighton Baines might be in vain, as the England fullback is set to put pen to paper on a new long-term deal. Reports from Merseyside are that the 29-year-old is all set to pledge his allegiance to the Toffees, beyond next season. That is indeed great news for the Toffees who have seen Bryan Oviedo excel in Baines’ absence. But, there can be no doubt that the Englishman is still top dog at the club.
With the left back set to enter into the final year of his contract at the end of the season, the news should come as a welcome relief to the Toffees who have been sweating over his protracted move away from Goodison Park for some time now.
Whilst the Toffees are rejoicing, that news is certainly a blow to Manchester United, who have been following the full back for some time now. The news will be tough to digest, especially for David Moyes who has been keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
Having tried once already, last summer, only to have the bid laughed off as ‘derisory’, the news that Baines is all set to see out his career in Goodison Park would have been the last thing Moyes would have wanted to hear.
With Baines now out of reach, Moyes must now look elsewhere as he seeks to replace Patrice Evra, who, himself, might well be on his way out, on the end of the season.
To rub even more salt into the wounds, Ross Barkley is also all set to join Baines in renewing his contract with the Merseyside club. Although the 20-year-old still has more than two years left on his current contract, his performances so far this season has seen stock rise and rise.
Seen as the next big thing coming out of the British Isles, Barkley has been linked with a whole host of clubs, with Manchester United at the top of the pecking order. The new contract will certainly ward off any possible suitors and keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
With the English duo all set to stay in Everton, it looks like Moyes will have to look elsewhere as he seeks to rejuvenate his ailing squad.
