EVERTON have been told by Wigan Athletic bosses that if they are serious about signing Leighton Baines then they must splash out £6million.

David Moyes, the Everton manager, has made a move for Baines after the England Under-21 defender told Sunderland he did not want a move to the Stadium of Light.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane said: “It’s disappointing, of course, but you can’t win them all. I spoke to Leighton last week and then he rang me the other night.

“He’s a nice enough lad, not a problem, but he had his reasons for not coming to the club and we have got to respect that and wish him well.

“My job is to try to keep bringing players into the club that we think will improve us, and you are not going to win them all.

“We are disappointed, but life goes on. We wish Leighton well and we just kick on and continue to look to bring players into the club.”

Baines' future still hangs in the balance but Everton are clearly interested and sources close to the young Merseysider claim he would welcome a move to Goodison Park should the opportunity arise.

Nevertheless, it's highly unlikely Moyes will match Sunderland's valuation but Wigan have told him what must happen. Wigan put a protective arm around Baines during last night's pre-season friendly at Blackpool.

He was not allowed to speak to the media and manager Chris Hutchings was equally cagey about his future, merely stressing yet again that he hopes the player stays.

"Leighton is a first class pro and a first class person and despite all the speculation and rumour surrounding his future, he has remained professional throughout and as ever is a joy to work with," he said.

Satisfaction

"I have coached him since he first broke into the first team as a young apprentice and taken great satisfaction in how he has developed as a player and an individual."

Baines, who has this week undergone tests for a virus, was given a standing ovation by Latics fans at Bloomfield Road last night when he came on as a second-half substitute.

"Leighton is finally over his virus," Hutchings added.

"He has been laid low with a virus for the last couple of weeks and has been restricted to light training."

Antonio Valencia fired Wigan ahead but confusion in defence saw new signing Titus Bramble hand Blackpool an equaliser from Ben Burgess.

Fortunately for Wigan, a deflected own goal off from a David Cotterill shot secured victory for the visitors.

Latics came through unscathed and the immediate priority now will be to try and settle the situation with Baines who could yet stay and then become a target when the transfer window reopens in January.

Wigan fielded Kevin Kilbane at left back last night as cover for Baines.

If Wigan are to sell Baines, reports suggest there will be no transfer activity until a suitable replacement is found.

There are no targets in mind at this stage but Wigan do have options open to them and chairman Dave Whelan is on record saying that theclub will accept nothing less than the £6million, the fee agreed with Sunderland if Baines decides to move on.

Meanwhile, Josip Skoko has received a work permit for next season.

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