Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Sir Alex Smart to Pursue Leighton Baines

Leighton Baines won't entertain any transfer talks until after he's fulfilled his obligations with the England national team at Euro 2012 (which shouldn't take too long), though he figures to have more than a few messages from Sir Alex Ferguson once he returns to the Isles.

The Everton defender has drawn significant interest on the market from Manchester United, among others, but doesn't appear all that concerned with the prospect of leaving his current club just yet, telling ESPN Soccernet:

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"The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. But I'm at a great club as well, a club that I love.

"The focus now is all on the tournament. There's not much time to let other things seep in. It's about getting your head on this job for the next six weeks and trying to do the best you can.

"Would it be hard to turn United down? I'm not letting my focus shift to that while I am in camp. I'm focused on what I'm doing at the moment.

"Would it be hard to leave Everton? Yes, obviously. You know what it means. I've been there for five years myself but also know first-hand what it means to a lot of people so, yes it would be.''

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Baines is currently competing for playing time behind current Chelsea star and oft-capped Three Lions left-back Ashley Cole, though putting foot to pitch wouldn't likely be quite so difficult at Old Trafford. Fergie is thought to have eyes for Baines as a replacement for Patrice Evra, who's lost a step or two along the back line at the age of 31.

For Baines' part, the 27-year-old was spectacular at left-back this past season for the Toffees, who placed seventh in the English Premier League table, ahead of Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Baines' recent run of fine form was enough to earn him another long look from (and a spot on) the England senior squad.

Now, it may have him earning massive wages from a starting spot on one of the most successful clubs in the world.

And rightfully so. United's back line had its fair share of shortfalls this season, to say the least, though a significant share of the inconsistency stemmed from Nemanja Vidic's recurring injuries and Jonny Evans' struggles in his place, along with Evra's falloff.

Even then, Man U came within a few miraculous minutes of extra time between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers of winning a 20th top-flight title and second straight in the EPL.

Throw in an elite talent like Baines at left-back, and there may be no sweating out titles for United.

For the better, of course.

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