Manchester United are set to offer veteran defender Jonny Evans a one-year deal.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, Evans is understood to be close to earning a one-year contract for a longer stay at Old Trafford.
It is suggested that Erik ten Hag has been impressed by Evans’ leadership and ability to play out from the back. The manager is also aware of a lack of defensive cover.
This comes after The Sun ran a piece last week suggesting that Evans was set to remain at his boyhood club.
The Northern Ireland international came through Manchester United’s academy and made almost 200 appearances before joining West Brom in 2015. He made a shock return to the club this summer on a short-term deal following his release by Leicester City.
It was understood that United were willing to allow Evans prepare for the new season with them. And, from that moment it was mooted that he could be kept at the club for the new season.
For instance, the links to Everton have gone very quiet in recent weeks.
Evans spent the US tour with the United squad and it doesn’t sound like he will be going anywhere any time soon.
Nothing will change too much in terms of the defensive pecking order. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are the first-choice centre-back pairing, with Victor Lindelof providing cover as back-up.
Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly could be sold before transfer deadline day.
Evans’ Northern Ireland team-mate Steven Davis believes United should keep hold of the defender.
“Having played with him for so many years I know the quality he posses and what he brings with his experience to a dressing room,” said Davis.
“I’m sure that was noticed quite early on having been away from the club for a few years. I wouldn’t put it past him extending his stay there beyond pre-season. I think we were all surprised when Man United let him go because whenever you play with him and see the quality he has first hand, it is a player everyone rates very highly.”
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IMHO, the best result would indeed be to sell Bailly (isn’t he gone yet?) and Maguire (for everyone’s sake, including his) and keep Evans on for a year.