Baines on verge of Toffees switch

A fee was agreed and the left-back was given permission to talk to Everton manager David Moyes over the weekend.

And the deal is close to completion after the player agreed personal terms with the Goodison Park club and underwent a medical on Monday.

Baines turned down a switch to top-flight newcomers Sunderland two weeks ago after the Wearsiders had a £6million offer accepted by the Latics.

Coincidentally, Wigan's opening game is against Everton on Saturday but Baines could struggle to make the match as he has a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Wigan boss Chris Hutchings is banking on starting the season without Baines and has already begun searching for a left-back.

Hutchings said: "The timing does not help us to be honest but we have been looking at left-backs and that will continue.

"The situation with Leighton has rumbled on and we would have liked it sorted out earlier.

"But we have to move on. We would like to bring someone else in but I do not know if that will happen."