Vitesse’s Büttner on verge of ‘dream’ United switch

ARNHEM, Netherlands  ●  Manchester United’s pursuit of Leighton Baines appears to be over after Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Büttner confirmed he is on the verge of a shock move to Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson who revealed after bringing in striker Robin van Persie that United could make another signing before the end of the transfer window, had been expected to swoop for Everton’s Baines, but it has now emerged that United have agreed a deal to sign Van Persie’s compatriot Büttner in a deal reported to be worth £3.9 million.

According to reports in the Netherlands, Büttner flew to Manchester on Sunday and is expected to undergo a medical on Monday.

Southampton, Fulham and QPR have all failed in their bids to sign the 23-year-old, who has been locked in disputes with Vitesse over his attempts to leave the Gelredrome, but Büttner is now set to complete a “dream move” to Old Trafford.

“This is really a dream come true,” Büttner told Dutch TV station Omroep Gelderland. “It was all arranged very quickly and of course I am very delighted. Happily everything is coming to an end.”

●  Everton has completed the signing of Belgium international striker Kevin Mirallas on a four-year contract from Greek side Olympiakos.

The 24-year-old Mirallas scored 20 times in 25 games for Olympiakos last season.

Mirallas tells the club’s website Sunday “I know this is a great club with great supporters” and that Everton “has the ability win a lot of games in the Premier League.”

Mirallas will not be able to make his debut for the Toffees against Manchester United Monday because he signed after the deadline of midday Friday, but will be unveiled to the Goodison Park crowd.