Sir Alex Ferguson wants a deal for Leighton Baines completed by July 16, the day Manchester United leave for a pre-season tour to South Africa and China.
Baines has been on United's radar for a long time now, and after the Red Devils lost out on Jordi Alba, with the Valencia left-back agreeing a move to Barcelona, Ferguson is determined to capture the England international, who was England's second-choice left-back at Euro 2012.
United are ready to bid £15 million ($23.5 million) for the 27-year-old according to reports in the British press. Everton, however, value their defender at £20 million ($31 million).
It is understood, United are confident they can convince the cash-strapped Merseyside club to go down on their asking price as Ferguson looks to bring in Baines to provide competition to the ageing Evra.
Baines, who has made 8 appearances for England, has previously stated he would be open to a move to United, while also saying he is happy at Everton.
"The United link is flattering," he said during England's Euro 2012 campaign. "There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club.
"But I'm at a great club as well, a club that I love."
The likelihood of Baines departure has been increased after Everton were heavily linked with a move for Bayern Munich wing-back Danijel Pranjic.
According to the Daily Star, Everton have opened talks to bring in Pranjic, who is a free agent after his contract with Bayern ended after last season. Pranjic nearly made a move to the Toffees in the January transfer window, but the move broke down at the last minute.
However, it is understood Everton have re-opened talks with the Croatian's representatives and hope to bring the 30-year-old to Goodison Park.
