Should West Brom rival Burnley for Rob Holding if Jonny Evans’ Arsenal-bound?

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West Bromwich Albion may be fearing losing Jonny Evans during the final hours of the January transfer window.

There is no question that the main narrative that has dominated transfer speculation involving West Brom this month has been what is going to happen regarding Jonny Evans.

The Daily Mirror reports that Evans has been heavily linked with moves to either Arsenal or Manchester City this month – though it now appears to be a one-horse race with the Cityzens closing in on a deal for Aymeric Laporte.

Of course, Alan Pardew’s preference would surely be to keep hold of the Northern Ireland international, but, perhaps if the Gunners register a serious interest during the final days of the window, the Baggies should consider rivalling Burnley for the chance to sign Rob Holding on loan from the Emirates.

The Sun reported at the weekend that the Clarets were eyeing up a move for the former Bolton Wanderers youngster, but perhaps West Brom’s need will be greater if Evans ends up leaving.

The Sun suggests that Arsenal could be ready to loan the youngster out this month if they land Evans. And while Pardew has got a loan deal for Ali Gabr across the line in the last few hours, the Baggies should still try and get Holding in on a temporary basis given how difficult it will be to do a permanent deal for another player at this stage.

Keeping Evans surely has to be the priority at this point even if it does mean that he runs his contract down further, but if it does look like he is Arsenal-bound, West Brom should not shut the door on the idea of trying to take one of their players in return.