LEIGHTON BAINES is reportedly set to once again snub a move to MLS and stay at Everton for another year.
LA Galaxy are long-term admirers of the Kirkby-born defender, 35, but may have to wait even longer to bring him across the pond.
Baines is back among the squad after being unfavoured by Marco SilvaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
In both the previous summers, speculation has been rife that Baines will end his stay at Everton, a club he joined from Wigan in 2007.
And the end of this season will be no different as his contract nears its expiry following his quietest campaign in a Toffees shirt to date.
Yet that could all change with new boss Carlo Ancelotti a vocal advocate of the veteran left-back who is said to see him as an ideal back-up to Lucas Digne.
Such adoration is making a big impact on Baines’ future plans with The Athletic reporting that staying on Merseyside is his current preference.
The 30-cap England international is a noted lover of trips to California and that was considered a potential boost to either Galaxy or rivals LAFC in the race to sign him.
However it is now said that he does not feel the time is right to uproot from Goodison Park and move his family Stateside.
In addition, any approach from a Premier League rival will be swiftly rejected.
Baines has only made six appearances this season but all of those have come since Marco Silva was sacked as the Toffees’ manager.
His performances under Italian coach Ancelotti has urged the boss to sing his praises, telling the club website earlier this month: “Our idea, the idea of the club, is, ‘Don’t stop playing, stay with us for the next year’.
“We would like to keep him and are going to talk with him. It would be good for us if he can stay.
“Physically, he has no problem. It depends on what he is thinking and whether he wants to continue. I think he wants to continue but it is his decision.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
