Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is close to completing a move to Everton for a reported fee of A?8 million.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under manager Louis van Gaal. Evans made only 12 starts in the Premier League last season as the Dutchman preferred Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones over him. Even Patrick McNair made more appearances in the league than Evans. Injuries and suspension, for the splitting altercation against Papiss Cisse, didna t help his cause as well.
Goodison Park calling
Evansa future at Old Trafford has been under constant speculation this summer and now it seems that the Northern Ireland international is close to securing a move to Everton.
According to Guardian, Manchester United want A?10 million for the center back, but Everton are desperate to negotiate a lower fee.
a Although the club want A?10m for Evans, Everton value him at A?6m as he has only a year left on his contract, so the agreed price may be closer to A?8m.a a . Jamie Jackson wrote in his article for Guardian.
Espnfc are however claiming that the final fee will be closer to A?10 million, either way this would be an ideal move for all the parties involved.
Evans in need of first team action; Everton in need of a center back
Manchester United are still keen on signing Sergio Ramos this summer, although Real Madrid have turned down their initial offer. Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Arrival of another center back will push Evans further down the list and he needs to find a new club this summer, in order to gain regular first team action.
Everton are also in need of a new center back this summer, after they released Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz after the end of last season. John Stones and Phil Jagielka are likely to remain Roberto Martineza s first choice options next season, but Evans will certainly get more opportunities at the Merseyside club. Moreover a lot of clubs have been monitoring John Stones, including Chelsea and Manchester City, and Evans could replace him if Everton loses him this summer. The Toffeemen will also need a long-term replacement for Jagielka, who is 32 now.
Everton had a poor start to their campaign last time around and Roberto Martinez realizes that his team will have to improve a lot if they wish qualify for Europe once again. Evans, with his experience of winning trophies, will be a shrewd addition to the squad.