Bayern Munich closing in on Everton's Leighton Baines

14 December 2010 13:13
EXCLUSIVEBayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that the German champions are closing in on Everton defender Leighton Baines.[LNB]Everton are desperate to hang on to their England left-back but are bracing themselves for a big-money bid by Bayern after the Bundesliga giants went public with their signing plans for the New Year.[LNB]After sending scouts to Everton's last two home games, Rummenigge ended any doubts about the object of their attention by saying: 'We want a left-back, and we mean to sign one in the January window.'[LNB] Eye catching: Leighton Baines is a top target for Bayern Munich in the transfer window[LNB]Bayern had been linked with Everton's versatile Holland defender John Heitinga but have since narrowed their search to just one position, in a stance that has left Goodison boss David Moyes fearing an official approach in the next few weeks.[LNB]Everton would demand at least double the £5million they paid Wigan for Baines three-and-a-half years ago, but Rummenigge hinted that Bayern were prepared to pay the going rate for the right candidate.[LNB]Admission: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge[LNB]'We need a left-back, because that is the position that has to be strengthened,' he said. 'We are ready to buy a new player for this side of our defence this winter, but he must be of the highest quality.'[LNB]Bayern believe Baines fits the bill after having scouts at the home games against West Brom, a fortnight ago, and Wigan on Saturday, and studying video evidence of an outstanding performance at Chelsea, in between.[LNB]Everton are in a position of strength for negotiating a fee, after tieing Baines to a new five-year contract at the end of last season, and are aware that news of Bayern's manoeuvring could spark interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.[LNB]Chelsea almost lost Ashley Cole to Real Madrid last summer, and Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho is also considering a move for Patrice Evra, with Manchester United already casting an eye over Benfica's Fabio Coentrao, in case their France left-back is enticed away.[LNB]With Everton needing funds to bring in another striker, a Bayern bid of around £10million would prove hard to turn down. [LNB]Rummenigge's admission suggests it could be imminent, after Bayern bosses were given a glowing account of Baines' productive partnership down the left with Tottenham-bound Steven Pienaar.[LNB]The 26-year old's form this season has convinced Moyes that he is a viable alternative to Cole for England and has now persuaded Bayern that he could combine with Franck Ribery to devastating effect on their left flank.[LNB] Baines emerges as shock top target for Bayern after Germans send scoutsBayern set for Premier League raid for Bosingwa and Everton pairEVERTON FC

Source: Daily_Mail