Manchester United are interested in securing the services of their former defender and current West Bromwich Albion centre-back Jonny Evans. It is believed that Jose Mourino reckoned that it was a huge mistake by his predecessor Louis van Gaal to let him go to the Baggies for £6million a few years ago. Now the Portuguese manager wants him back at Old Trafford and will go all out to battle for his signature, with their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City and Arsenal also interested in his services. Some reports claim that their rivals are now preparing offers for the 29-year-old centre-back who faced off against United at the Hawthorns last Sunday.
Manchester City had a £20m bid rejected by the Baggies in the summer while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also understood to have registered his interest in the player. Some sources have also suggested that West Brom manager Alan Pardew won’t stand in Evans’ way if they were to receive an offer in the region of £30m when the transfer window commences next month.
Evans has spent 11 years playing at Old Trafford and Mourinho is looking to re-sign him following Eric Bailey’s recent ankle surgery which has ruled him out of action for three months. Victor Lindelof has also failed to cope with the increasing expectations at United following his big-money summer move from Benfica.
Since his time at Manchester, Evans has gone to become an integral figure and one of the key men in the Baggies’ backline. And his incredible form this year has sparked interest from a whole host of clubs which now include his former club Manchester United. The Northern Irish defender has featured in 16 matches for the Baggies in all competitions and has one goal to his name so far.
The Red Devils currently boast the Premier League’s joint best defensive record conceding only 12 goals in 18 league matches. It is no wonder that Mourinho is looking to sure up his defence in January as his backline is currently cutting it fine with regards to injuries.
The club has two fit first-choice defenders in the form of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling playing every gameweek. They also possess Lindelof who has struggled so far and Daley Blind who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. Bailey’s recent unavailability has increased Mourinho’s interest on a possible transfer for Evans next month.
It remains to be seen whether United are successful in fending off some stiff competitions from their Premier League rivals in pursuit of his signature.
