Everton agree deal for Baines

Aug 6 2007

Everton have agreed a fee with Wigan for England Under-21 defender Leighton Baines.

Baines will undergo a medical today and is set to discuss personal terms with the club he supported as a boy.

The 22-year-old has been much in demand this summer and turned down a £6million move to Sunderland last month.

Baines played no part in Wigan's friendly victory over Leeds on Saturday.

He was reportedly suffering from a hamstring strain but his absence at Elland Road fuelled speculation that a move was imminent.

Wigan manager Chris Hutchings was keen to keep the highly-rated player at the JJB Stadium and recently paid tribute to his professionalism amid all the transfer talk.

“Leighton is a first-class pro and a first-class person and, despite all the speculation and rumour surrounding his future, he has remained professional throughout and as ever is a joy to work with,” Hutchings said.

“I have coached him since he first broke into the first team as a young apprentice and taken great satisfaction in how he has developed as a player and an individual.”