Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Everton defender Leighton Baines.
United chief executive David Gill has contacted Toffees chief Bill Kenwright, according to The Mirror, with a view to completing a £12m deal for the England defender.
The 27-year-old has emerged into one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League in recent seasons, and Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have targeted a move for the former Wigan Athletic man.
Baines has seven international caps to his name.
