..I posted as recently as yesterday that we should brace ourselves for him going. Its unrealistic and perhaps a little romantic thinking that players wouldn't want to move when Man Utd come knocking. I said I wouldn't be surprised if Baines asked to talk to United. Because he's such a good pro, he hasn't rocked the boat and demanded a move, but I wouldn't be surprised if the club asked him to stay another year.
Apparently the news has come from Stubbs. Unless somebody has asked him to communicate this, it does seem a daft thing to do. Baines is clearly a good bloke and will want the move to happen in proper fashion. I expect that's what has been going on behind the scenes until Stubbs intervention.