Leighton Baines

Leighton John Baines (born December 11, 1984 in Liverpool, England) is an England football (soccer), who currently plays at left fullback for Everton F.C] in the English Premier League. He won 16 Cap (football) for the England national under-21 football team.

Playing career

Wigan

Baines made his début for Wigan Athletic in 2002, and soon became an established member of the Wigan Athletic first team, and was a regular when Wigan earned promotion to the Premiership in 2004-05 in English football, in which he scored his first goal for the club, a spectacular strike from long-range against Ipswich.

Baines signed a new contract with Wigan in February 2005 despite being linked to a number of FA Premier League clubs, including Manchester United F.C., Arsenal F.C. and Everton F.C., and extended his contract again after impressive displays in his first season in the Premiership.

He scored a vital goal for England against Germany national under-21 football team on October 6 2006, securing a 1-0 win in the first leg of a UEFA European U21 Championship play-off. He played all four of England's matches in the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship finals.

Everton

Transfer rumours surrounded Baines throughout the summer before the 2007-08 Premiership season, as he was linked with Everton F.C., Newcastle United F.C. and Sunderland A.F.C..
On July 25 2007, Baines rejected a move to Sunderland, after their bid of a reported £6 million was accepted by Wigan, with it being suggested that the player favoured a move back to his home city of Liverpool.
On August 6 2007, it was confirmed by Wigan and the player himself that Everton had completed the signing of Baines, for an initial £5 million, with another £1m in add-ons, depending on Baines' appearances for Everton.

Baines generally considered one of England's most promising young left-backs and his development is sure to continue at Everton, one of the most solid defensive clubs in the league.

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