Cardiff City have handed Kieron Evans a new contract to keep the forward away from the clutches of Newcastle, Sheffield United and West Brom, as reported by Wales Online.
After failing to win any of their last three games, a run which leaves the Bluebirds trailing in the top-six chase, this feels like a well-timed boost for a Cardiff fanbase still bemoaning those vital dropped points against Watford and Stoke.
Premier League quartet Newcastle, Sheffield United, West Brom and Burnley had all expressed an interest in luring Evans away from South Wales.
But Cardiff have responded in double-quick time, offering Evans the chance to sign professional terms after almost a decade at the club.
“I feel amazing,” Evans beamed, in quotes reported by the Cardiff City website, after putting pen to paper on an initial two-year deal.
“I’ve been at the club since I was 10. Signing my second pro contract here is a great feeling. It was a no-brainer for me. I want to prove that I can make it at this club.
“I’ve learnt a lot in the last 12 months with the under-23s and the first team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Evans is yet to make his league debut under Mick McCarthy. But that could soon change, with the 19-year-old Welshman producing stand-out performances on a regular basis for Cardiff’s second-team.
There is a chance that Evans will be playing against three of his suitors – Newcastle, West Brom and Sheffield United – in the Championship next season.
Burnley, meanwhile, have pulled clear of the relegation zone after Saturday’s Dwight McNeil-inspired 2-1 win at Everton.
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