• Premier League

Moyes hints at another move for Baines

ESPN staff
July 5, 2013

David Moyes has hinted that a second Manchester United bid for Leighton Baines is imminent by insisting that there is no gentlemen's agreement preventing him from trying to sign Everton players.

Leighton Baines Everton solo PA PhotosLeighton Baines joined Everton from Wigan in 2007.

Moyes, who took charge officially at Old Trafford on Monday after 11 years as manager at Goodison Park, has seen a £12 million bid for Baines rejected.

Roberto Martinez, who has replaced Moyes as manager at Everton, described the England left-back as an "icon" on Wednesday, adding that he sees Baines, 28, as a vital part of the club's future.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said on June 5, when he appointed Martinez, that he had no intention of selling the full-back.

And he also stated that he had warned Moyes off making approaches for any of his players, although he acknowledged that midfielder Marouane Fellaini had a release clause in his contract, thought to be worth £24 million.

Moyes, though, has taken four members of his Everton backroom staff with him to Old Trafford - assistant Steve Round, first-team coach Jimmy Lumsden, goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and chief scout Robbie Cooke.

He has also taken former Everton captain Phil Neville to Old Trafford in a coaching role.

Asked if there was a gentlemen's agreement between him and Kenwright with regards to Everton players, Moyes said: "No, I don't think that is the case.

"Bill was fantastic to me over my time at Everton. He really was.

"The club have been great. They've got a great staff. They've actually got a very good team and very good players.

"And I've brought some of my staff with me as well.

"But all I can ever say is thanks to what they did for me at Everton. They've been really good."

Everton have insisted that Baines, who was named in the PFA's Team of the Year at the end of last season, is not for sale.

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