Manchester City launch shock £18m bid for West Brom captain

Joe Williams

Manchester City have had a bid of £18million rejected by fellow Premier League side West Brom for defender Jonny Evans, according to reports.

Pep Guardiola is keen on strengthening his options at centre-back with only John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, and Vincent Kompany to choose from as Eliaquim Mangala is set to leave the club.

All three started their first Premier League match against Brighton and now City are reportedly looking to step up their interest in Evans.

The Daily Mail claims that a bid of £18million was rejected by the Baggies and that the club are ‘determined not to sell’ with Tony Pulis already on the lookout for a centre-back himself.

Evans came through the Manchester United youth academy and made 198 appearances for the Red Devils with three Premier League titles under his belt.

He made the move to The Hawthorns in 2015 for £8million and the report continues by saying that it could take an offer of £25million for West Brom to start considering a sale.

Middlesbrough are reportedly demanding £30million for Ben Gibson – another reported City target – and that has led Guardiola to look at less costly options, including Evans.

The Baggies have already turned down a £10million offer from Leicester City for the Northern Irishman and Evans has spoken previously about the Foxes’ approach for his services.

“The club made me aware of it as soon as it happened and they informed me that they weren’t going to sell me,” the 29-year-old said.

“I have been made club captain this season so unless the club turn around and say they want to sell me nothing has changed from the last two seasons.”

Evans has two years remaining on his £75,000-a-week contract at West Brom and the club ‘have discussed’ offering the player improved terms, according to the report.