Sport

Left-back luggage? Patrice Evra may be packing bags for Monaco return as United target Leighton Baines

By Chris Bailey

Red Devils stalwart Patrice Evra could soon be swapping Manchester for Monaco to make way for Leighton Baines as incoming boss David Moyes starts his Old Trafford shake-up.

According to The Mirror, Evra could give in to his wife’s wish to return to the cash-soaked principality – after leaving for England in 2007 – and will command a fee of £10m.

That is likely to be small change for Monaco, who, under Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, have already set the transfer window alight with a £115m splurge on Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.

Their interest may play into the hands of David Moyes, who is likely to look to his old stomping ground Everton in a bid to freshen up the Red Devils squad.

Baines – who made more than 100 goalscoring opportunities from the left flank last season – is arguably the outstanding player of Moyes’ Toffees tenure.

And with Alex Buttner showing glimpses of promise while Fabio is set to return after a loan spell at Queens Park Rangers, Evra’s departure will not leave United without cover.

However, Moyes should not expect his former chairman Bill Kenwright to break ties with the 28-year-old for anything less than 15m.

Kenwright could also have a job on his hands to ward away United in their pursuit of Marouane Fellaini, who has been touted as the perfect complement to Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield.

Image courtesy of MUTV, via YouTube, with thanks.

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