Everton Convinced They Can Scupper Toon Deal
By Nu Mad
Updated Monday, 6th August 2007
Everton claim they are confident they will make progress in their chase for Wigan defender Leighton Baines in the next few days, with the knowledge the player is a "life-long Everton fan".
There is competition from Newcastle, but the Toffees believe that the player's long-term support of the club will swing the deal their way.
Talks have been ongoing over the weekend, and the Merseysiders are edging closer to completing a near-£6million deal for the England Under-21 full-back.
Having sold James Beattie to
Sheffield United for £4million, the club have extra money in their coffers, and they claim the deal will be completed soon.
Does Sam Allardyce have a chance of getting his man? With the Kieron Dyer deal dead and buried, it is looking unlikely, as the £7m-plus from West Ham was supposedly to finance this transfer.
Baines did not play in Wigan's match with
Leeds United on Saturday ... supposedly due to injury ... but it is reported
Everton were having talks with the player.
