Leighton Baines

[Librarian]

I can see the sense in that, but I also take the view that it wouldn't be a disaster for us to keep hold of Baines for two more seasons and we have a world class attacking defender for that period.

Martinez has put us back on the front foot here by staying calm about it.

 

[Bluetintedspecs]

If we tried to replace Baines with a like-for-like left-back it would be impossible. More assists than any other player in Europe's top 5 leagues, free-kick specialist, never missed a penalty and, contrary to what some fans think about his defensive ability, made more tackles than any other Everton player last season. Also, because teams are well aware of the threat he poses, they often try to overload their right flank to nullify the threat, leaving space on their other flank for Coleman and Mirallas to exploit.

If Baines doesn't ask for a transfer, we should keep him and offer him a new contract. If he does ask for a transfer, we should be looking to get a fee at least in the region of Fellaini's 23 million release clause, and then look to spend the money on adding creativity to the team in other areas to make up for the loss of Baines' assists. For me, that means spending a large chunk of any Baines fee on a quality play maker, rather than a striker.

 

[throughthewindandthedrain]

can someone tell me why everyone is so certain United have made an official bid. not really questioning it but its hard to know what is official now or just a build up of newspaper reports repeating the same speculation

 

[edge]

i think if he really is going to be offerd a new contract, he will stay,just hope its not a spin we tried are best but, in the end he wanted to talk to other clubs routine. It would really send the wrong message out at the start of the new manages job

 

[D410]

i think if he really is going to be offerd a new contract, he will stay,just hope its not a spin we tried are best but, in the end he wanted to talk to other clubs routine. It would really send the wrong message out at the start of the new manages job

He should have been offered a new contract back in Jan !

As it stands today it looks to me like the manager is saying the right things but the board have got one eye on cashing in.

 

[wiggum23]

A significant statement though.

I think for that to be on the OS (talking up keeping Baines) it means one of two things: either a) Baines has indicated he will sign up again for us (and Martinez is happy to try and sell others when and if he can this window to bring players in, so the board are happy with going with that); or b ) it's an attempt to talk up the price United will have to meet.

Let's hope it's the former. For once, because it's this particular player, I think we stand a chance of retaining him. We *need* to sell this window for one reason and another (unforgivably given the massive rise in revenue), but I think it'll come late in the window and not Baines.

I think you are spot on there Dave. He may well have indicated to RM that he would stay but even if not it's brilliantly played by Martinez.

Basically saying to the board, the fans and Moyes, "we love him, I want him to stay, so [Poor language removed] off with your stupid bids"

 

[edge]

He should have been offered a new contract back in Jan !

As it stands today it looks to me like the manager is saying the right things but the board have got one eye on cashing in.

you never know with this lot,if moyes knew he was off and i am led to believe he did then he woulnt make it harder to get his man,

 

[Joey66]

More like DM should have been given an ultimatum by BK to sign his contract to get compensation off UNT!

 

[royalblue66]

Martinez reckons Leighton is an Everton Icon, Metro football today
Get it sorted R M

 

[Zatara]

Well played by martinez there, driving the price up. Just wondering if anyone believes if he will stay when he's man utd first choice signing--every player has a price.

 

[Ihaters]

can someone tell me why everyone is so certain United have made an official bid. not really questioning it but its hard to know what is official now or just a build up of newspaper reports repeating the same speculation

To be honest, the thought had crossed my mind, no one has offered more than 'sources have reported' as their evidence... but I suspect if there was no bid, at least one of the clubs would of mentioned something.

 

[D410]

I have a question....who is pushing the sale price numbers out to the media? Someone is and it,s usually one club that does it !

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

I have a question....who is pushing the sale price numbers out to the media? Someone is and it,s usually one club that does it !

Probably the same one that had them supposedly 'bidding' £5m for him last summer.

 

[throughthewindandthedrain]

To be honest, the thought had crossed my mind, no one has offered more than 'sources have reported' as their evidence... but I suspect if there was no bid, at least one of the clubs would of mentioned something.

am thinking United would have denied it too because of the levels of reporting about it but equally am surprised that they would have made an unrealistic bid when the aim of that is usually to unsettle a player and this is easily done through feeding stories to the press without an official bid. one thing I don't believe for a second is that Baines was sounded out before Moyes made a bid. I am always up for a conspiracy but that one doesn't cut it

 

[throughthewindandthedrain]

I have a question....who is pushing the sale price numbers out to the media? Someone is and it,s usually one club that does it !

they are more than capable of putting one and one together and getting 15 mill plus add ons. the media completely undervalue our players because it suits them to believe we are desperate and any club with money can do whatever the hell they like