Manchester United Transfer News: Chasing Leighton Baines Is Gamble Worth Taking

Even though landing Leighton Baines remains a long shot for Manchester United, the second-place Premier League finishers should do everything possible to get the talented defender away from Everton.

Alan Nixon of the Daily Mirror reports the Red Devils are willing to offer £12 million for the England national team star. He says that probably won't be enough to close the deal, but that negotiations are ongoing as Baines prepares for Euro 2012.

The 27-year-old left-back is one of the league's most underrated players. He showed a lot of potential during his time with Wigan Athletic and then really began to flourish after moving to Everton, where he has spent the past five years.

What makes Baines so valuable is his all-around ability. Not only can he play elite defense on the left side, but he also likes to get forward to contribute in the attacking third as well. That's the combination every team looks for on the outside.

His offensive numbers were down a bit this season due to Everton's offense, which struggled for most of the campaign until Nikica Jelavic provided a spark. Baines finished with four goals and two assists in 33 league games.

The previous two seasons were a better representation of his ability, though. He had a total of nine goals and 22 assists during that period of time as a key piece in the Toffees' counterattack.

He would be a great fit for Manchester United, who suffered from inconsistency on offense during the middle of the season, which ultimately cost them the title. Adding somebody like Baines, who can jump-start the attack and deliver pinpoint crosses, would certainly help.

Baines remains under contract for three more seasons, so it's unclear if Everton would be willing to move him for anything less than an eye-popping price, but it never hurts to ask. If United could pull off the deal, it would be one of the biggest ones all summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has never been afraid of rejection. He's going to pursue the players he believes will make the Red Devils succeed. Baines would do that and more, as England fans will likely find out next month in the European Championships.

So, while the odds are that Baines will be playing his football at Goodison Park again next season, the Red Devils are doing the right thing trying to make a bold move. He has the ability to become the difference in next season's title race, and Ferguson knows that.

It's moves like this that allow Manchester United to stay near the top every year.