After finally agreeing to meet the clubs £6million valuation, Hutch' gave Baines permission to talk to Keane, but wasn't impressed enough to move to the north-east.
Hutchings said: "Leighton is a first-class pro and a first-class person and despite all the speculation and rumour surrounding his future, he has remained professional throughout and as ever is a joy to work with.
"I have coached him since he first broke into the first team as a young apprentice and taken great satisfaction in how he has developed as a player and an individual."
ALthough Baines has rejected the Black Cats, speculation is mounting that Everton, who rejected him as a youth, could be about to make a £6.5million bid for the player.
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