Leighton Baines: Left-back to agree new contract with Everton this week, signalling the end of Manchester United's pursuit - reports
United twice had bids rejected for the 29-year-old during the summer
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Your support makes all the difference.Everton are reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension with Leighton Baines by the end of this week, signalling the end of Manchester United's pursuit of the left-back.
David Moyes, Baines' former manager at Goodison Park now at United, twice had bids rejected for the England international during the summer.
The Independent also revealed that Baines was keen on a move to Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old's contract runs out in 18 months, but Toffees' manager Roberto Martinez has spoken of his confidence the player would stay in Merseyside.
"In football you don't work long term, you go window to window and I can guarantee that Leighton will be here at the end of the season," Martinez said last month. "That is 100 per cent.
"That is how you work from window to window - to have a stronger squad than previously."
He added: "Leighton is vital for us in the second half of the season. Bryan Oviedo has been terrific, but we need Leighton and Bryan fit for us, if we are going to fight for our football dream."
Baines joined Everton from Wigan in 2007 in a deal worth £6m, and has made 214 Premier League appearances for the club.
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