Sir Alex Ferguson targets 12m Everton ace Leighton Baines to bolster United defence

Everton's Leighton Baines
Sir Alex Ferguson is to step up his bid to sign Leighton Baines after missing out on Eden Hazard.

The United manager has identified key areas he wants to strengthen this summer, with a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra part of his plans.

Everton defender Baines, who is training with England ahead of Euro 2012, said: The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. Would it be hard to turn United down? Im not letting my focus shift to that while I am in (the England) camp.

Ferguson is pressing forward with the rebuilding he knows is required to regain the Premier League title from City.

As well as targeting at least one midfielder and a striker, he has concerns about both full-back positions.
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At 31, Evra struggled to reach the standards last season that once saw him rated as one of the best left-backs in Europe.

With Fabio set to go on loan for a year, United have no recognised deputy for Evra, let alone competition.

Everton would demand in the region of 12m for Baines, who moved to Goodison from Wigan for 6m in 2007.!

The 27-year-old will go to Poland and Ukraine as cover for first-choice Ashley Cole but the opportunity to play Champions League football at United will only
strengthen his international prospects in the next few years.
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