West Brom not expecting quick end to Jonny Evans speculation
Albion anticipate the future of Jonny Evans may not be resolved until late in the transfer window despite speculation continuing to swirl around the Baggies skipper.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City have made tentative enquiries over Evans but, as yet, neither has backed up their interest with a formal bid and none would appear imminent in what is currently a quiet market.
Albion, who must sell in order to secure any permanent deals this month, would ideally like the situation to be sorted quickly but are unwilling to sell the Northern Ireland international for lower than their asking price.
French full-back Mathieu Debuchy has been mooted as a possible makeweight in any offer which might be forthcoming from Arsenal.
Yet Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, despite declining to formally confirm his interest in Evans, yesterday suggested the London club would be second favourites in any bidding war with City for the 30-year-old. The runaway Premier League leaders failed with bids for Evans last summer. Reports have claimed the player, who still lives in the north-west, would favour a move to the Etihad.
“We don’t have an agreement with anybody. I think the best thing is not to talk,” said Wenger.
“We will need to see off any interest of any other club, yes. I don’t know if Manchester City are in for anybody.
“If the decision comes to finances against Manchester City, we know we will be second best.”
Albion boss Alan Pardew is keen to bring in a striker but must focus on the loan market until Evans’ future is resolved.
The Baggies are among a number of clubs to be linked with Everton striker Oumar Niasse, but the Senegal international is not thought to be on their list of targets.
