Everton sign Baines from Wigan

07.08.2007 11:00 Sports

Everton have completed the signing of Leighton Baines from Wigan for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old left-back has signed a five-year deal with the Merseysiders after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical on Monday.

The Kirkby-born defender is Everton's third signing of the summer, following Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar.

Baines, who turned down a move to Sunderland, is doubtful for the start of the season with a hamstring injury.

He is a lifelong Everton supporter and was at Goodison Park last Tuesday when the Toffees played Werder Bremen.

The defender sat alongside Everton striker James Vaughan in the directors' box, fuelling speculation that a move was imminent.

Baines, who will wear the number three shirt, told the club's website: "I am very happy now it is all done and I am looking forward to getting on with it.

"I think people knew this was the place I wanted to come and I am glad now that it is all done.

"I am a local lad and all my family support Everton so it's good to be here at last."

Baines made his debut for Wigan in 2002 and gone on to play over 150 times for the club.

He has 16 caps for the England Under-21 side and started every game at the European U21 Championship finals in Holland this summer.

Wigan agreed a ?6m deal with Sunderland, but Baines decided to reject a move after holding talks with the Black Cats.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane admitted at the time that Baines was keen on a move to Everton.

Keane said: "Football is a small world and you hear things through the grapevine.

"I just got the impression that Leighton had his heart set on a move to Everton. I don't blame him for that.

"When I left Manchester United, it didn't matter which team came in for me, I was always going to go to Celtic."

Everton initially saw a bid of about ?4m rejected by Wigan, but the two clubs have now come to an agreement over the price.

Baines leaves Wigan with Latics boss Chris Hutchings's blessing.

"He has done a fantastic job for this club after coming through the system," said Hutchings.

"He was brought up here and knows a lot of people but sometimes you need to make a change in your life."

Source: BBC Sport

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