Leighton Baines Reportedly Set to Join Manchester United in January

Manchester United will secure the signing of Everton left-back Leighton Baines for a fee of £15 million in January, according to the Daily Star's Jack Wilson.

Baines, 28, was a target for Red Devils boss David Moyes this summer, but the Scot was ultimately only able to secure Marouane Fellaini from his former side, per the Daily Mail's Dominic King.

Wilson, though, reports that a deal is set to be done in January:

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Manchester United boss David Moyes will finally sign Leighton Baines in January.

Moyes has been chasing the England left-back ever since he arrived at Old Trafford.

And the hunt will now come up trumps with United ready to pay Everton £15m to lure him away.

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Baines has been in excellent form for both Everton and England in recent matches, prompting manager Roberto Martinez to describe him as one of the best left-backs in the world, per Goal.com.

However, earlier this week, the Spaniard admitted that there have been no further developments on a new contract for Baines—despite his current deal expiring in 18 months time, per ESPN.

The short amount of time left on his current contract will have the Toffees hierarchy nervous, and it would likely play a major part in a January sale, if a good offer arrives.

United are likely to need a left-back at the end of the season after an interview given by Patrice Evra last week suggested he will take the opportunity to leave Old Trafford, per the Daily Star.

According to the Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler, reserve option Fabio is also on the lookout for new clubs, owing to a frustrating lack of playing time this season.

Baines is a younger option than Evra, by four years, but is no spring chicken himself and will be 29 by the end of the year.

While he is an excellent player who would be an important figure for Manchester United, he would be a sizeable investment at £15 million given his age.

However, Moyes is better placed than anyone to know how Baines manages his physical preparation and understand what Baines can bring to any side.

If he believes Baines to be worthy of the investment, United's power-brokers would be well advised to listen to his advice.