Leighton Baines to be offered new long-term contract

Everton want to secure Leighton Baines on a new long-term contract before the transfer window reopens in January, as they attempt to ward off interest from Manchester United.

Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman, rejected several bids for the England left-back throughout the summer, including a £15m offer on transfer-deadline day.

Everton recognise that the Premier League champions' prolonged pursuit placed Baines in a difficult position and intend to reflect the importance of a defender who turns 29 in December with improved, extended terms.

Everton are also conscious that United's failure to Fábio Coentrão from Real Madrid on Monday means David Moyes will be back in the market for a left-back in January, and they intend to open talks over a new deal with Baines and his representatives as quickly as possible. 

The left-back is believed to earn around £50,000-a-week at Everton. Whether they can convince him to extend a contract that has two years remaining at Goodison Park, is uncertain.