BAINES SNUBS NEW DEAL - REPORT

Sunderland may have moved a step closer to signing Leighton Baines after the left-back reportedly rejected a new improved contract at Wigan.

The Black Cats have already seen three bids knocked back for the defender but Roy Keane has refused to drop his interest in the 22-year-old.

And he is likely to return with a new bid after Baines rejected Latics' contract offer, according to The Sun.

The England Under-21 international has two years left on his current deal at the JJB Stadium and he is said to be unwilling to commit his long-term future to the Lancashire side.

Chris Hutchings is desperate to keep hold of his prized asset but will be wary of letting a player rated at £6million enter the final year of his contract.

Sunderland have spent £16million over the summer but Keane has made strengthening his defence a priority after Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans returned to parent club Manchester United.

Taken from =football365=