Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to step up his pursuit for Everton full-back Leighton Baines after conceding defeat in the chase for Ashley Cole, report the Daily Mail.

The Chelsea defender is out of contract at the end of the season which had tempted Fergie, but it appears that Paris Saint-Germain are willing to spend big to tempt him to France this winter.

This has caused the Scot to look elsewhere in search of a replacement for the out-of-form Patrice Evra.

Baines is thought to be the Red Devils’ next target, with the club’s hierarchy said to be impressed by the form he has shown with Everton during the last few seasons.

It’s reported that the Old Trafford-based outfit were monitoring the England international’s situation during the summer, but signed Alexander Buttner instead.

The Toffees value their man at £15m, a figure Fergie initially baulked at, but negotiations could open once more ahead of the winter transfer window.

David Moyes is far from keen to lose one of his big names, however a solid financial return may tempt him to let the 27-year-old go.

Baines arrived at Goodison Park from Wigan in 2007 for a reported £6m fee.

He has cemented a spot in the club’s starting XI thanks to his solid defensive attributes and wonderful set-piece ability.