Manchester United target Leighton Baines has told Everton to let him join the Premier League champions, according to the Sun. The Toffee's left-back has kept a dignified silence this summer following United's interest, with the Red Devils making two bids for the defender so far. When the Old Trafford outfit made their most recent offer of £28 million for him and midfield colleague Marouane Fellaini, Baines said nothing, and has always made himself available for selection for his club. However, the England international has now made it clear to Everton that he wants to join United this summer. The 28-year-old has been loyal to the Toffees since his move from Wigan Athletic for £6 million in 2007, and has managed to push Ashley Cole for the Three Lions left-back position in recent times. But he knows that playing regular Champions League football with United will boost his World Cup chances next year while David Moyes, who signed Baines for Everton, wants to be reunited at the Theatre of Dreams. Moyes is looking for someone to provide competition to veteran fullback Patrice Evra, and with the French defender having turned 32 recently, Baines is seen as the long-term successor.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
