Leighton Baines has been strongly linked with a move away from Everton this summer, and the Toffees should sell the Englishman ahead of the 2018-19 campaign before pursuing an ambitious deal for Real Madrid's Theo Hernandez.

What's the story?

There is absolutely no question that Baines has been one of the Premier League’s best left-backs over the last 10 years or so.

The defender’s form came close to earning him a move to Manchester United when David Moyes was in charge of the Red Devils, but he ultimately remained at Everton, and has made over 400 appearances for the Merseyside outfit.

A calf problem interrupted Baines’ 2017-18 campaign, but he still made 29 appearances for the Toffees last term – scoring three times and registering four assists.

Baines will be 34 in December, however, and with his Everton deal due to expire at the end of next season, The Sun has linked him with a move to MLS.

Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC are both said to be interested in the Englishman, and Everton should allow him to leave before looking to sign Hernandez.

Could Everton realistically sign Hernandez?

According to Marca, Real Madrid are prepared to sell Hernandez in this summer's transfer window.

The 20-year-old only moved to Los Blancos from Atletico Madrid last summer, and made 23 appearances during his first season at the Bernabeu.

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The left-back struggled for regular first-team action, however, making just 13 La Liga appearances due to the presence of Marcelo.

Hernandez's path to the first team is blocked for the moment, but there is absolutely no question that the defender is an exciting talent, and according to Marca, Real Madrid want to include a buy-back option if they sell him this summer.

The former France Under-20 international was excellent during a recent loan spell at Alaves, and he would certainly be an exciting signing for the Merseyside outfit in this summer's transfer window, and given his age he would be another addition that represents the future of the football club.