WIGAN Athletic are poised to slap a £6m price tag on their highly-rated England U-21's left-back Leighton Baines.

Roy Keane's newly-promoted Sunderland are the latest club to be linked with Baines, who may decide to move from Wigan when he returns from the European Championships.

Latics boss Chris Hutchings does not want to lose Baines and will do everything he can to keep him but he could be powerless trying to prevent him joining a "bigger club".

Newcastle United have been strongly linked with Baines since the turn of the year but their interest is said to have cooled of late.

Everton have been long time admirers of the young Merseysider but where West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker plays his football next season could have a bearing on where Baines goes.

Baines is great mates with his England team-mate and with Reo-Coker strongly linked with a move to Aston Villa, the Midlands could also be beckoning the Latics left-back.

Baines may feel a move will boost his chances of being promoted to the full England squad.

Reading's Nicky Shorey has recently gone ahead of him in the pecking order and Baines is ambitious and keen to further his career.

If he is to stay at Wigan he is a leading contender to take over as club captain following the departure of Arjan De Zeeuw and Matt Jackson.

How much do you think Baines is worth? Have your say.




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