Gossip: Heinze Out, Baines In?
Suddenly, Wigan’s Leighton Baines has returned as the latest name on the lips of gossip mongers keen to spin a transfer tale.
The impending Heinze tragedy and Newcastle’s reported offer for Silvestre does leave United light at left fullback. Baines has some class and is the biggest fish in Wigan’s pond.
As AU reported earlier this month, Baines’ future is in doubt. Sunderland got nowhere in a £6 million chase for the leftback and Everton are said to be strongly in the running to land the player, although why boss David Moyes needs more defensive cover after signing Phil Jagielka from relegated Sheffield United remains unknown.
Curiously, the Baines-to-United speculation was revived as mischief in the Sun newspaper last month, when ex-United defender Viv Anderson mentioned the Wigan star’s name as an alternative for the departing Patrice Evra!
Rumours over the past two years have suggested United were looking at the player. But it would be a major surprise if Sir Alex pounced now when Evra has seen off Heinze to so firmly establish himself as the number one and O’Shea and perhaps one of the second string could also be used if the position became troublesome.
READ: A Lost Bale, Wigan’s Baines And United’s ‘Achilles Heel’
