Leighton Baines’ shock Everton exit puts pressure on Leeds United

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Leeds United are hoping they have secured Tom Pearce’s future.

Leeds United are hoping they have fended off interest from Everton over talent Tom Pearce.

Talented left-back Pearce broke into Leeds’ first team late in the season and with his expiring contract he has sparked a late scramble for his signature, with Everton hoping to re-sign him (The Sun 13/5 p63).

Everton’s need for a left-back has suddenly heightened amid news Leighton Baines is set to quit the club after 11 years.

The Sun report Baines, 33, is jetting out for talks with both LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC as he sets his sights on a move to Major League Soccer.

This puts the pressure on Leeds to get the Pearce deal over the line.

HITC Sport reported last Friday that Pearce has agreed to stay with Leeds.

This was also claimed by Leeds Live yesterday – but so far the Whites are yet to announce that Pearce is staying, as the defender heads off with England’s under-20s to the Toulon tournament.

If Pearce is indeed staying put, the business looks even better from a Leeds perspective with Everton suddenly in need of a left-back.

And if Everton have failed to persuade Pearce to join up, they will be left kicking themselves even more now.