Baines will not be joining the Premier League champions says Toffees boss.
Everton defender Leighton Baines has been a long-term transfer target for Manchester United, but manager Roberto Martinez says the left-back will not be leaving.
The Red Devils are looking for a replacement for Patrice Evra – who is expected to leave Old Trafford when the Frenchman’s contract expires next summer – and Baines is their No.1 target.
New boss David Moyes signed the England international for the Toffess back in 2007 and worked with the full-back for six years.
It was this relationship that was thought to be the edge in completing the deal, but Martinez has quashed those claims.
“I can guarantee that Leighton Baines will be here at the end of the season. That is 100 percent,” the Spaniard was quoted by the Mirror.
“Bryan Oviedo has been terrific while Baines has been injured, but we will need them both.”
Baines has been sidelined for five weeks with a broken toe and Costa Rica international Oviedo has impressed whilst filling in on the left side of defence.
However, the Englishman is recognised as one of the finest full-backs in European football and it’s understandable that Martinez doesn’t want to let the 29-year-old leave Goodison Park.
It means that United will have to start looking elsewhere to find the replacement for Evra, who has been their first choice for nearly eight years.
Southampton starlet Luke Shaw is one who has been greatly impressing, although the 18-year-old’s age could mean that it would be too much pressure too young.
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