Baines edges nearer exit
05 Aug 2007 - 18:17:32
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- Baines edges nearer exit
Everton hope to clinch the signing of Wigan Athletic defender Leighton Baines next week in a £6million deal.
Boss David Moyes has money to spend after selling James Beattie to Sheffield United for £4million and the Toffees remain favourites to land the left-back despite competition for his signature from Newcastle United.
Assistant manager Alan Irvine said: "We're at least part of the way down the road.
"But with the demands made by everyone these days I'll only believe it's going to happen when it actually does happen.
"We've been talking to Leighton and hopefully sorting things out with him.
"When you look at the prices that are going around these days then £6million isn't a great deal of money.
"Leighton has got real potential to play for his country. Anyone who saw him in the European Under-21 Championships would have been impressed with him.
"He is a good footballer, a nice passer of the ball, he has loads of energy and he is quick so there are lots of reasons for wanting to sign a player like him."