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Everton have received a written apology from Manchester United over the way they recruited then-Toffees boss David Moyes as their manager.

Goodison chiefs are still furious at the way they were treated by the champions over the pursuit of Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor.

We can exclusively reveal that Old Trafford officials have said sorry in an attempt to diffuse the row, which threatened to escalate into a full-scale complaint to the Premier League.

Moyes - by his own admission - was approached by United months before the official announcement of his appointment.

Everton have also been stung by United revealing the Scot would replace Ferguson almost three weeks before the end of last season, ignoring the effect such a revelation would have on the end of the Toffees’ campaign.

Now the simmering resentment has led to Everton slamming the door shut on United’s move for England defender Leighton Baines.

The Old Trafford giants were hoping to follow up a £12million bid they made in June with a slightly increased offer.

(Image: Clive Brunskill / Getty)

But they now know that unless they make a mind-blowing bid for Everton's left-back, they have no chance of succeeding.

Moyes may have more joy should be choose to pursue his interest in Toffees midfielder Marouane Fellaini though, as the release clause in the Belgian’s contract has not yet expired.

The agreement, which allows him to leave if a club offers £23million, will run until the start of the season - leaving the door open for United to make a move if they lose their battle to buy Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.