Toffees keen to keep Baines

Defender not for sale at Goodison

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 12th August 2008

Baines Leighton

Baines: Not for sale

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Everton are not interested in selling Leighton Baines to Sunderland, skysports.com understands.

Recent reports have claimed Sunderland are lining up a move for Baines as they look to solve their problematic left-back spot.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane is a big admirer of Baines and tried to sign the England Under 21 international before he made the move to Everton last summer.

Keane has been frustrated in his attempts to bring in a new left-back this summer with rumours suggesting he was preparing to try his luck again for Baines.

However, skysports.com has learnt that Everton have no plans to sell Baines and that the former Wigan man remains part of David Moyes' plans.

Baines endured a frustrating debut season at Goodison Park because of a series of niggling injuries, but he is now back to full fitness and determined to establish himself in Moyes' starting XI.