WIGAN Athletic have agreed to sell England Under-21s defender Leighton Baines to Everton and he is set to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms today.

Everton sold James Beattie to Sheffield United for £4million over the weekend and are ready to conclude the Baines deal.

Newcastle United had also been interested in Baines, who spent the weekend thinking over a possible move to St James Park where he is great mates with Magpies' stars James Milner and Steven Taylor.

A senior Wigan spokesman, however, confirmed Baines still favours a move to Everton and there is likely to be a sell-on clause in his contract that could further benefit Wigan should he move again.

Season

Wigan travel to Everton on Saturday for the opening game of the new Premiership season but Baines is unlikely to figure should he complete his move to Goodison.

He is currently being treated for a hamstring injury which is why he did not play in Wigan's 2-1 win over Leeds on Saturday. Jason Koumas scored both Wigan goals.

Meanwhile, manager Chris Hutchings is still trying to find a replacement for Baines.

A move for West Brom's Paul Robinson broke down after the player failed a medical.

Wigan have also been linked with Argentina defender Diego Placente, who is up for grabs at Spanish club Celta Vigo.

European scout Bill Green has checked out Placente and Wigan could make a move for him.

Antoine Sibierski is expected to be fit for the Everton game. after overcoming a quad injury, played against Leeds and is likely to partner former England man Emile Heskey.

Who would you like to see brought in? Have your say.

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