West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans was linked with a £30 million move to Manchester City in the final days of the transfer window.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has suggested that Jonny Evans was actually relieved once the transfer window came to an end, bringing an end to the speculation linking him with a £30 million move to Manchester City, The Irish Sun reports.
Pep Guardiola was seemingly keen to bring the former Manchester United defender to the Etihad Stadium during the final days of the window, but the deadline came and went with the centre-back remaining on West Brom’s books.
And according to O’Neill, Evans – who was with the national team squad for the final hours of the summer window – was actually pleased when the deadline passed.
“Certain things turn certain players but not Jonny. We had a chat on Friday morning and to be honest there was a sense of relief,” he said, as reported by The Irish Sun.
“His focus is on Northern Ireland, his focus will revert to West Brom when he goes back.”
It is perhaps hardly a surprise that the 29-year-old was happy to see the window close, even if he had his heart set on leaving the Baggies for City.
The uncertainty may have been frustrating, especially while he is away with Northern Ireland – but pleasingly for West Brom fans, it appears that he will have absolutely no problem putting the rumours behind him and concentrating on getting back playing for Tony Pulis’ men.
And given that the Baggies have begun the season positively, the fact that he will be able to forget the speculation will provide the squad with the kind of boost they need to maintain the momentum they had built before the international break.
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