West Ham United are closing in on a summer move to sign West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans. According to recent reports, the Hammers are ready to swoop in for the Baggies centre-back at the end of the season. It is understood that Evans has a clause in his contract which will allow him to depart for a meagre fee of £3m if the Baggies are relegated this season.
However, the East London outfit are not the only one vying for his signature with both Leicester City and Everton are also reportedly interested in securing the services of the 30-year-old centre-back. Some sources are claiming that West Ham boss David Moyes is a huge admirer of Evans and could make him one of his top targets in the summer. Arsenal and Manchester City were both eager to sign the Northern Ireland international during the January transfer window but a move failed to materialise.
If West Brom are demoted from the Premier League at the end of the campaign, any possibility of the Baggies retaining the services of Evans would most likely be non-existent. Even if Alan Pardew pulls off a miracle and manages to keep his side up, recent reports are suggesting that he will definitely switch clubs in the summer.
The Hammers are currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 30 points in 28 league matches. They have been a tough nut to crack in the league over the last few weeks and have done well after the appointment of David Moyes in November last year. However, Moyes’ side are just three points above the drop zone going into the final stretch of the season and are in need of a few favourable results in the coming weeks to ensure their Premier League lives for another season.
The addition of a veteran defender like Evans will undoubtedly bolster David Moyes’ defensive options ahead of the new campaign as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League and push for a European place next season. The Northern Ireland international has featured in 26 matches for the Baggies in all competitions and has scored two goals so far this season.
The former Manchester United defender has a wealth of experience in the top tier of English football which makes him an ideal fit for David Moyes’ team. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Evans and whether he ends up plying his trade at the London Stadium next season.
