Baines was on international duty with the Under-21s this summer
|
Everton have completed the signing of Leighton Baines from Wigan for an fee that could be worth £6m.
The 22-year-old left-back has signed a five-year deal with the Merseysiders after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical on Monday.
The Kirkby-born defender is Everton's third signing of the summer, following Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar.
Baines, who turned down a move to Sunderland, is doubtful for the start of the season with a hamstring injury.
 |
606: DEBATE
|
Everton initially saw a bid of about £4m rejected by Wigan, but the two clubs have now come to an agreement over the price.
The Toffees will pay an initial £5m but the deal could cost them another £1m in potential add-ons.
He is a lifelong Everton supporter and was at Goodison Park last Tuesday when they played Werder Bremen.
The defender sat alongside Everton striker James Vaughan in the directors' box, fuelling speculation that a move was imminent.
Baines, who will wear the number three shirt, told the club's website: "I am very happy now it is all done and I am looking forward to getting on with it.
"I think people knew this was the place I wanted to come and I am glad now that it is all done.
"I am a local lad and all my family support Everton so it's good to be here at last."
 |
He has done a fantastic job for this club after coming through the system
Wigan boss Chris Hutchings
|
Baines made his debut for Wigan in 2002 and gone on to play over 150 times for the club.
He has 16 caps for the England Under-21 side and started every game at the European U21 Championship finals in Holland this summer.
Wigan agreed a £6m deal with Sunderland, but Baines decided to reject a move after holding talks with the Black Cats.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane admitted at the time that Baines was keen on a move to Everton.
Keane said: "Football is a small world and you hear things through the grapevine.
"I just got the impression that Leighton had his heart set on a move to Everton. I don't blame him for that.
"When I left Manchester United, it didn't matter which team came in for me, I was always going to go to Celtic."
Baines leaves Wigan with Latics boss Chris Hutchings's blessing.
"He has done a fantastic job for this club after coming through the system," said Hutchings.
"He was brought up here and knows a lot of people but sometimes you need to make a change in your life."
Bookmark with:
What are these?