Everton manager Roberto Martinez has denied moving for Manchester United defender Jonny Evans despite recent reports claiming otherwise.
Jonny Evansa future at Old Trafford has been under constant speculation this summer and recent reports claimed that the Northern Ireland international was close to securing a move to Everton.
According to the Guardian, Manchester United were looking for a A?10 million fee for the center back, with Everton keen to sign him, but, were looking 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 said the report.
Martinez Denies The Move
However, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has denied that Everton were looking to sign the player.
“No, it’s not true,” he told reporters. “I always said that I am not going to be commenting on any of the names that are being shared around but I can tell you there is nothing true about that subject.”
Evans in need of first team action; Everton in need of a center back
However, this could be another classic instance of a manager denying a transfer which is all but imminent in order to avoid alerting rivals to the player. We had cited earlier in our article how the deal could be a win-win for all parties involved given that Manchester United are almost certain to sign a new centerback and Jonny Evans would be pushed further down the pecking order were that to happen.
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 conceded a whooping 51 goals in the league last season, touted as one of the primary reasons why the toffees finished in the bottom half of the table last season and the misery could be compounded if they lose John Stones to Chelsea FC, who have made a bid for the player.
Roberto Martinez could do with addition of Evans with his experience of winning trophies and playing with a top club like Manchester United.