Baines rules out Liverpool switch

Everton defender Leighton Baines ruled out talk linking the left back with a move to city rivals Liverpool, and that a player can only ever play for one team or the other due to the rivalry between both sides.

Baines has been in brilliant form for Everton in past seasons, and has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park several times.

"I was made aware of it, but as far as I am concerned, it was never an option," the England defender insisted. "When you're from Liverpool, it's either Liverpool or Everton, one and not the other.

"If you're brought up in the area and know what it means to everyone, you understand it more. Once you know the people and you're a part of it, it's not something you do.

"But my mates were probably more aware of the stuff that was going around than I was."