Everton's Leighton Baines opts to keep in shape during summer

Everton's Leighton Baines has revealed that he made the decision to maintain his fitness during the summer rather than take a break.

Baines was part of the England squad that competed at Euro 2012, but he continued to keep in shape while he had a week's break, and he is now hoping he will reap the benefits at the start of the new season.

Baines said: "I only took one week off. I figured it wouldn't be that long until I was back so I thought I may as well keep in shape.

"If you let yourself go too much, then you will get niggles and start missing important sessions.

"If you keep up to scratch physically, you can get the full benefit when you start the season."

The left-back has been linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer.