Moyes lands Baines as Gonzalez hopes fade

Moyes has been on the look-out for a dominant figure in the mould of Patrick Vieira and believed he had found the ideal candidate in Porto anchor man Gonzalez.

Baines watches Everton in pre-season with pal James Vaughan

But as £5million Baines thrashed out personal terms and underwent a medical, it emerged that Porto had rebuffed a Valencia bid of around £12m for Gonzalez.

Real Madrid have also been linked with him, but Valencia believed they had landed the player after drawing up a lucrative contract approved by the 26-year-old's advisers.

However, Porto refused to sanction the deal and told Gonzalez they would not consider releasing him for less than £15m, nearly twice the club record £8.6m Everton paid Crystal Palace for Andy Johnson.

Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira said: "It would be a massive blow to lose Lucho and I intend to make sure it doesn't happen."

Luchon Gonzalez: £15million tag

But Moyes definitely has Baines on the books despite the best efforts of his opposite number at Wigan, Chris Hutchings, to keep the England Under 21 left-back.

Hutchings, who offered the youngster an improved contract, said: "He's a shining example to other lads and he could step up for England. Wayne Bridge is injured and Leighton will be in contention."