Manchester City are reportedly set to finally land their target in former Manchester United player Jonny Evans, who is set to depart West Brom for £30 million
According to Daily Mirror, Manchester City could be about to complete a very controversial transfer in the form of West Bromwich Albion captain Jonny Evans. The former Manchester United man could be set to join their arch-rivals and expects his transfer to the blue half of Manchester to go through before the transfer window ends.
Jonny Evans has years of Premier League experience under his belt. Emanating from the fabled Manchester United academy, the player had established himself at Old Trafford before being shipped out to West Brom under the tutelage of Louis Van Gaal.
And the player instantly became a leadership figure within the Baggies setup upon arrival. Add to that Tony Pulis, who arrived at the club soon after, and the club’s fortunes have again taken a turn for the better, with a solid 2016-17 campaign under their belt.
Jonny Evans: Only two players have won possession in the defensive third more times than Evans (267) in the last 3 Premier League seasons pic.twitter.com/FGOD2B0F5j
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 17, 2017
West Brom have started their new campaign strong as well, with 2 wins out of two. But, Jonny Evans has sat out both games, with the Northern Irish centre-half not agreeing to sign a new contract at the club, which has brought forth much speculation surrounding his future at Hawthorns.
The player, though, could be a part of a very controversial move, if it does end up going through, with Pep Guardiola eyeing the 29-year-old as a potential addition to the Citizens first-team squad. The rumours have gathered pace, with West Brom even rejecting an £18 million bid for the United academy graduate.
Tony Pulis reportedly is unwilling to budge from the massive £35 million asking price for the 29-year-old, a figure that does seem inflated. Manchester City, though, need a partner for John Stones and Jonny Evans, with his experience in the Premier League, could be the perfect one to fill that void.
Also, while Evans is unlikely to offer many years of service to City and is mostly a stopgap solution, the player could facilitate in the growth of John Stones into a world-class centre-half. Evans himself is convinced that he will be able to complete the move in the present transfer window itself.
Jonny Evans would be a good signing for City. Good on the ball, great awareness, physically strong, PL proven. And, at 29, still underrated
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) August 16, 2017
And even though West Brom look to be standing firm on their price, a middle ground at the £30 million mark seems realistic for both sides. Although the United academy graduate must tread carefully, given the West Brom manager’s recent treatment of Saido Berahino.
In case City do decide to rescind their interest, Evans could be stuck in a position where he is unable to move and is also not a part of manager’s plans at West Brom, something Berahino had to deal with.
