Latest Transfer Rumours: Baines Requests Move, Hernandez to Leave and More

With Gareth Bale edging toward Real Madrid and Wayne Rooney seemingly staying at Manchester United, transfer speculation turns elsewhere in the Thursday newspapers.

Everton defender Leighton Baines has requested a move to Old Trafford, according to one report, while United manager David Moyes has not given up hopes of landing a long-term summer target later this year.

In the meantime, United striker Javier Hernandez could be on his way out of the club to another Premier League side, claims one newspaper.

Elsewhere, while both Arsenal and United have been spurned by two Real Madrid stars, Manchester City are on the verge of completing a deal for a defender.

Read on to find out more.

Leighton Baines Asks Everton for Move as United Continue Goodison Pair Pursuit

Leighton Baines has asked Everton manager Roberto Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright to allow him to leave the club for Manchester United, reports Sam Wallace of The Independent.

The England left-back and midfielder Marouane Fellaini have been the subject of an improved £38 million bid by United, according to Alan Nixon of the Daily Mirror.

However, Wallace claims Baines made his request on the first day of preseason training and has not changed his view since then.

According to Nixon, the Blues have denied the claim that Baines has asked to leave, but Fellaini is expected to go.

Martinez is looking to add midfielder James McCarthy to his squad from Wigan Athletic, but is facing competition from Tottenham and Newcastle. Nixon claims the money from the Fellaini deal will help that bid. 

Manchester United to Return for Barcelona Midfielder Cesc Fabregas in January

We haven't reached the end of the current transfer window, and its reopening in January has already become a focus for the newspapers.

United manager David Moyes might have given up hope of signing Cesc Fabregas this summer, but that will not stop him making another move for the Barcelona midfielder in January, reports Shaun Custis of The Sun.

The former Arsenal star has been the subject of a public chase by Moyes throughout the summer before insisting he wanted to stay with the La Liga champions.

According to Custis, though, Moyes will be monitoring whether Fabregas becomes a first-team regular under new Camp Nou manager Gerardo Martino before making a further move for the player in January. 

Tottenham Target United Striker Javier Hernandez as Spending Continues

United striker Javier Hernandez has emerged as a target for free-spending Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, reports Alan Nixon of the Daily Mirror.

The Mexico international is valued at around £7 million or £8 million by the White Hart Lane club, but United will be looking for double that figure to take the forward to North London.

Hernandez has been unable to command a regular starting place at Old Trafford, and a big offer could see Moyes tempted into doing business, claims Nixon.

Tottenham are poised to sign Erik Lamela from AS Roma, while Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen and Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches are also in Spurs' sights, according to Neil McLeman of the Daily Mirror.

However, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has rejected Tottenham and will complete his move to Chelsea on Thursday, reports Jack Wilson of the Daily Star. 

Manchester City Close in on Atletico Madrid Defender Martin Demichelis

Manchester City are on the brink of completing a deal to bring defender Martin Demichelis to the club after just a few weeks at Atletico Madrid, reports Eddie Kirk of the Daily Star.

The 32-year-old left Malaga at the end of last season when his contract expired and moved to the Spanish capital.

However, City manager Manuel Pellegrini has now made a move for the player he worked with at Malaga following injuries to Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Micah Richards, claims the report.

Argentinian Demichelis will join City for £4 million, according to Kirk. 

Bits and Pieces: Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil, Iker Casillas, Demba Ba

Real Madrid pair Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria have vowed to stay at the Bernabeu to fight for their places in the team, reports Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail.

Both players had been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United, but the duo insist they want to stay with Real, according to the article.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilson of the Daily Star claims Arsenal have been offered Real goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas as the Spanish club attempt to fund their move for Gareth Bale.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is hoping to bring striker Demba Ba back to the club just seven months after he left to join Chelsea, claims Jason Mellor of the Daily Mirror.

Atletico Madrid are looking to take Manchester United forward Shinji Kagawa on loan, with the Japan international also interesting former club Borussia Dortmund, reports Simon Jones of the Daily Mail.