Manchester United Transfer News: Pursuit of Leighton Baines Is Useless

David Moyes and Manchester United continue to pursue Everton's Leighton Baines, but it is all for naught.

Back in June, United reportedly made an offer of £10 million, which was rejected, only to come back and offer £12 million for the 28-year-old, per The Times.

But despite strong indications by Everton that the club will not sell Baines, Moyes continues to make his presence known at Goodison Park.

According to ESPNFC.com, Everton manager Roberto Martinez—who took over for the former boss this summer—recently called Baines "an icon."

Martinez also said that he had "warned" Moyes not to approach any of his players.

Yet, Moyes apparently refuses to cooperate.

Moyes, when asked if there was a gentlemen's agreement with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright regarding Everton's players, reportedly said, "No, I don’t think that is the case."

So what, exactly, is the point?

I know what Moyes must be thinking. He's thinking that his ties to Everton and the four Everton staff members he took with him to United will create a bridge Baines can walk along to Old Trafford. While that sometimes works, it doesn't appear to be working in this case, and you get the feeling that Moyes may be feeling just a wee bit of pressure this summer, grasping at unrealistic options in the process.

Yes, Baines would likely be a great fit at Old Trafford. But you can't keep expending your energy for something that isn't there. You must move on.

Moyes told talkSPORT Wednesday that he's looking to bring in "the best players in the world." While bold, Moyes also cannot expect to land everyone he sets his sights on. Baines is one of these players, and the 50-year-old Scot would be better off focusing his attention elsewhere as several top clubs in the Premier League make moves.

After all, when a manager calls one of his players an "icon," it's probably a pretty clear indication that such a player is virtually untouchable.