Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Landing Leighton Baines Would Be Wise Move

Manchester United is going shopping during this transfer window period and it looks like they’ve found a potential target to make a splash.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are targeting Leighton Baines in a deal that has the potential to be massive:

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Manchester United have opened talks with Everton to sign England left back Leighton Baines in a massive deal.

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.

Kenwright does not want to lose Baines and will ask for more - with £15 million the least the Toffees will accept - but the negotiations are now on.

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It’s pretty easy to see why the Red Devils are willing to throw so much money in Baines' direction. The 27-year-old was named to the PF Premier League Team of the Year for Everton. He was the first player from the club to accomplish this feat in 22 years.

The ultra-durable left back had played in 99 consecutive league games before his season was cut short due to injury. During the 2011-12 season, he registered four goals, two assists, had a pass success percentage of 76.5 percent and received the Man of the Match award three times.

Baines is in the middle of his prime and United would be getting one of the best passers and dribblers available.  

His easy-going demeanor means he won’t make a fuss over the negotiations, and is simply waiting to hear how everything pans out before traveling to England for Euro 2012. He will not be opposed to the move.

If Baines were to leave, Everton could then pursue a big-name like former Toffees star Steven Pienaar of Tottenham in an attempt to remake the team.

Sir Alex Ferguson can’t be cheap here. He needs to win this bidding war for Baines and ensure United will be a stronger club next season…even if it costs a boatload to get him.

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