Everton issue hands-off warning over Baines

Everton told Manchester United boss David Moyes to forget about bidding for their defender Leighton Baines.

Moyes, who has left the Goodison Park to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in charge of the Red Devils last month, made signing of the highly-rated 28-year-old left-back his priority, in the wake of rumours Patrice Evra could be on his way to Monaco. Baines’ contract is known to contain the £24 million release clause and Moyes wants to take advantage of this option.

However the Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright revealed he opened the contract negotiations with the England international in a bid to retain him at the club. He said: ‘Leighton is under contract, and it is absolutely the case that we want to put something to him sooner rather than later,’ he said.