Manchester United Transfer News: United Need to Make Decision About Baines

Leighton Baines has been strongly linked with a possible move to Manchester United over the summer transfer window, but it's starting to get to the point where something has to take place.

The Everton defender has long been the subject of a move to Old Trafford, with reports emerging for several weeks now that United will offer £8 million to £10 million for the English international.

We're still waiting—waiting for Sir Alex Ferguson to make a move.

The United manager is no doubt one of the greatest managers in world history and clearly knows what he's doing in the summer transfer window this season. Having said that, Baines won't be around forever, and if United truly do want to sign him, they need to make a formal offer to the Toffees.

Take the most recent report about United and Baines for an example—appearing in today's Metro.

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering an £8 million raid for Everton star Leighton Baines, after confirming plans to bring in a new left-back this summer.

The decision comes after Ferguson opted against promoting youngsters Robbie Brady and Tyler Blackett to the first-team squad, after handing them an opportunity to become Patrice Evra's deputy during pre-season.

"Left-back is an area which we're paying attention to in that sense that Patrice, in the last five years, has played an average of 45 to 50 games" said Fergie. 

"Patrice will be all right. He's shown he has a resilience about him and has a great attitude to playing, but he is 31 next month..."

United are in the process of drawing up a short-list of possible options, but Everton and England international Baines is already expected to be top, given the club's long-term admiration of the player.

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Considering? Contemplating? In the process of drawing up a shortlist?

I understand that journalists like to dwell on a potential transfer and that sometimes stories simply aren't there to be written—trust me, I understand that feeling.

But the process to bring Baines to Manchester United shouldn't be taking this long. The same swift Ferguson who swooped to bring Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund early in the transfer window needs to be in action to make sure that the left-back is a Red Devil next season.

Baines had a stellar season last year at Goodison Park that culminated in his selection in the England squad for the recent 2012 European Championships.

The 27-year-old is arguably the best left-back in the country, and given United's known frailty at times in defense, would be a huge signing for the Red Devils. 

As Ferguson points out, Patrice Evra isn't getting any younger, and although his time is nowhere near up at Old Trafford, a long-term replacement is needed. And I'm sure Ferguson would also be the first to say that United could use with another experienced veteran of the game in defense.

Everton's well-documented financial problems could be playing a part in the process, which is starting to take longer than Fernando Torres scoring a goal.

I know, I know—you can't just click your fingers and expect it all to happen.

Yet at the same time, you can't expect to dawdle and expect the same prospect to still be available and as interested in two weeks time.

Leighton Baines must be a Red Devil for next season, and Manchester United must start acting if they want to turn that dream into a reality.

Should Manchester United be pursing Leighton Baines this summer?

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