Man City Plotting A Shock January Move For Man Utd Reject
Reuters / Phil Noble
Manchester City and Arsenal are set to compete for West Brom star Jonny Evans, as per Telegraph.
Evans has starred for West Bromwich Albion ever since his move to the club from Manchester United in 2015, and his current impressive form has caught the attention of his former club’s arch rivals.
They have been circling around him since the summer, but no move materialized and he remained at the Hawthorns. However, interest continues to grow, and he may well be on the move in January.
Recently appointed boss Alan Pardew is reportedly keen on sorting out the Irishman’s future, and is desperate to convince him to stay at the club. However, at the age of 29, he may not get another chance to make a big move, so it is likely that he will accept any offer that comes his way.
The only thing that prevented City from signing the United academy graduate was the Baggies’ demands of £30m and above. Arsenal even attempted to sign him at the last moment with a late £25m bid, but the club stuck to their price tag and refused to budge.
However, the desperation for a new central defender could force the two elite clubs’ hands.
Arsenal are to lose Per Mertesacker at the end of the season to retirement, while John Stones’ hamstring injury is leaving City short of options at the back. That could push the duo to go head to head and add in that extra £5m that West Brom are seeking.
Reuters / Peter Cziborra
Letting go of their captain would also enable the Baggies to bring some more players in and enhance the squad even further.
When asked if he had received assurances Evans would not be sold in January, Pardew said: “I think the assurance I need is probably from Jonny more than anybody. He’s a fabulous player and very important for the club so I will have a good old discussion with him.
“I know from my experience at Newcastle you can lose key players in January, you need to be on your guard to replace them.
“I will have to see how we go and assess the squad quickly. It’s good enough to stay up but when I look at the clubs who are involved, particularly around the relegation area, I know they’re going to do business. You can’t take our eye off that.”
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.