Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Must Up Offer for Leighton Baines

Manchester United are at the forefront of nearly every major transfer rumour this summer, so it comes as no surprise their interest would extend beyond the likes of Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo. After all, neither target is an easy mark.

But the Red Devils have other areas of need, and according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, they are interested in filling one with the addition of Everton left-back Leighton Baines:

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Everton are determined that Leighton Baines will remain their player as Manchester United consider returning with a higher bid than the offer of around £12m that was refused for the left-back.

United made that bid some time ago, according to sources on Merseyside, and have yet to follow up their interest in a player who has been coveted at Old Trafford since last summer, when Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes's predecessor as manager, hoped to sign him.

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Baines transfer fee was expected to be much higher last summer, as noted by Jackson. But with another year having expired from his contract and another season added to his resume, that price may be closer to £16 million at this point.

Patrice Evra’s Old Trafford future may now be in question, and if new manager David Moyes is looking to replace him, he could do a lot worse than the Everton defender.

According to Daniel Taylor of The Guardian, Moyes would also be looking to “raid” his old club for Marouane Fellaini:

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Ideally, Moyes would also like to raid Everton for Marouane Fellaini but he is aware of the politics of targeting his former club for two key players, especially when he is not even officially installed as United's new manager until Monday. Of the two players, Baines is considered the priority.

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If Baines is truly Moyes’ top priority, United shouldn’t be afraid to extend a slightly more lucrative offer to Everton. While the Merseyside club aren’t openly willing to part with the left-back, they may be more open to offers closer to that £16 million mark.

United certainly have the resources to swing such a deal, especially if their high-profile targets don’t pan out. With Everton not openly looking to shop Baines, the Red Devils may have some time to explore all their options.

As Taylor noted, that’s exactly what United may intend to do:

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In the meantime Edward Woodward, United's new chief executive, must consider how far the Premier League champions are willing to go financially to reunite Moyes with Baines. United expected Everton to resist their opening offer, as is the norm in transfer negotiations, and are likely to return with an improved offer.

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For a terrific left-back like Baines, the difference between £12 million and £16 million is slim. Given similar options on the summer market, it wouldn’t be a massive loss to shell out a little extra to ensure they are in the mix for Baines should Everton change their mind.

Though nothing substantial has surfaced, John Drayton of the Daily Mail indicates United are already upping their offer, however, hoping to wager roughly £20 million “including performance-related payments.”

Again, Everton is firm in their stance to not sell Baines, but United have to continue pushing the envelope. Moyes knows what to expect from the 28-year-old, and if the new manager has his sights set on Baines, United should be willing to up the offer to make it happen.