David Moyes to sign £15m Leighton Baines to Manchester United in January transfer

MANCHESTER UNITED boss David Moyes will successfully end his £15million pursuit of Everton's England star Leighton Baines in the January transfer window.

Leighton Baines looks certain to move to Old Trafford in January [ACTION IMAGES]
 

Sunday Express Sport can reveal that Moyes' former club already have advanced plans to replace Baines, who they are resigned to losing just months after rebuffing a number of offers from United for the player.

They are aware that Baines, who is 29 in December, is keen on rejoining Moyes at Old Trafford and believe it would be unfair to deny the attacking full-back, who has displayed admirable loyalty to Everton, the biggest move of his career.

It's why they are actively seeking a replacement, with Swansea City's Ben Davies and Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand in their thoughts in addition to continental targets.

Manchester United manager David Moyes will be reunited with Baines in a £15m deal [GETTY]

Providing United come in with a realistic offer - £15m is believed to be the minimum they would consider - then Baines will be a United player in less than three months time.

It's why there have been no discussions about a new contract for Baines, whose current deal runs out in 19 months time.

Baines is now fighting it out with Chelsea's Ashley Cole to be England's left-back after outstanding performances in the World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland when Cole was injured.
United are also set to send Wilfried Zaha out on loan in January if the winger doesn't get enough playing time at Old Trafford.

Moyes said: "We have got big, big competition and there are a lot of players to give some playing time.
"We've not been able to do that with Wilf. If that continues then in January I will look at it.