Ashley To Release Funds For Baines

Last updated : 03 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The Wigan Athletic left-back was linked with Newcastle United earlier this summer before several clubs jumped on the band-wagon and had Wigan holding an auction.

But the amount got ridiculous and one by one the Premiership clubs dropped their interest. All but favourites Everton who said "drop the price" and they would come to a deal for the England Under-21 international.

Our North East rivals Sunderland saw Baines reject a £6m move there last month, saying he had bigger fish to fry, prompting the Mackems to say the big clubs were "killing the transfer market".

Since then, Everton have stalled and finally Newcastle chairman has agreed to release money for Sam to buy defenders that we desperately need.

Manchester City expressed an interest in Baines earlier in the week, but yesterday snapped up left-back Javier Garrido from Real Sociedad which
effectively ended their chase.