Manchester United are interested in bringing back Jonny Evans and will pay up to £20m to land the West Brom captain.
James McClean of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal with Jonny Evans during the Premier League match against West Ham United.
Manchester United have emerged as serious contenders to sign West Bromwich Albion captain Jonny Evans in the January transfer window.
Manchester City had been the favourites to land Evans while Arsenal have also shown interest, but the defender’s former club are now prepared to play £20m to re-sign the player they sold to the Baggies for £8m in 2015 – according to the Mirror.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho hugs Everton assistant manager Sammy Lee during the Premier League match at Goodison Park.
City had bids for the Northern Ireland international rejected during the summer with West Brom holding out for more than £30m; a figure they are unlikely to receive this time around.
The Gunners also made a late offer for Evans, but it is believed that the 29-year-old – who came through the ranks at Old Trafford and spent nine years in the first team – would prefer a move back north.
Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder (L) vies with Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez Berridi during the Spanish league football match.
The Citizens do have alternative options for defensive recruitment should they fail to win the race for the centre-back, with Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez and Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona also on their radar.
It would be quite the expensive u-turn for the Red Devils to re-sign Evans for £12m more than they sold him for two-and-a-half years ago, but manager Jose Mourinho is a known admirer and has previously admitted he would not have let the Northern Irishman leave had he been in charge.
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