Leighton Baines "almost certainly staying" at Everton

Manchester United are very unlikely to sign Everton's Leighton Baines, according to Sky Sports News.

The station reported that Baines was "almost certainly staying" at Everton, with United believed to be unable to meet his valuation.

This tallies with what we've heard in reports leading up to today. And although we might have gripes with the penny-pinching of the club, over £20m for a limited full-back who isn't young is excessively steep. To make matters better, Patrice Evra appears to have begun the season in good form, so this isn't really much of a disaster.

Other signings are progressing, with Marouane Fellaini believed to be far more likely, although Mesut Ozil looks highly likely to join Arsenal. There is other good news, however, with Ander Herrera looking likely to join before the day ends. There may be other surprises, but given the adventures of the amazing Ed Woodward this season, those two would be a blessed relief.