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David Moyes left frustrated as Everton block United move for Leighton Baines
MANCHESTER UNITED have backed off a move for Leighton Baines after accepting that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright will not countenance the sale of the England defender.
United had been preparing to increase their opening £10m bid for Baines, but during top level talks between the two clubs new chief executive Ed Woodward was left in no doubt that the left-back would not be allowed to leave.
Manager David Moyes would have been mindful of Kenwright’s stubborn stance when United’s initial bid was instantly rejected.
He worked under him for 11-years at Everton during which time Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott only left Goodison Park after submitting transfer requests and for £29m and £24m respectively.
Woodward, who has moved up following the departure from Old Trafford of predecessor David Gill, has also now been given a stark insight into Kenwright’s tenacity in fighting for Everton’s cause.
Everton are determined to push on from the Moyes-era and know keeping their current squad intact is key for new manager Roberto Martinez, who has recruited Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz and Joel Robles as well as Barcelona starlet Gerard Deufoleu on loan.
There have been no approaches for Marouane Fellaini, who has a £23.5m clause in his contract that allows him to move for that amount if it is triggered before mid-August.
Moyes will be aware of the intricacies of Fellaini’s deal, but before declaring any interest he must decide whether the player is capable of stepping up from being a good Premier League player to standing out in the Champions League as he would have to do at United.
If Fellaini does leave, Martinez is likely to return to former club Wigan once again for highly-rated midfielder James McCarthy.