Manchester United are closing on a £16 million deal for Everton fullback Leighton Baines. The Daily Star says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson views Baines as United's long-term successor to Patrice Evra at left-back and is hoping to sign him in time to take him on the club's summer tour of South Africa and China next week.

It's understood United will pay an initial £12m for Baines, which could rise by another £4m depending on add-ons.

Toffees boss David Moyes is reluctant to sell Baines, but knows he cannot turn down such a tempting offer or persuade the defender to stay at Goodison Park.