GIVE US MORE FOR JONNY
RED ROSE CRASH OUT AFTER DEFEAT /PAGE 41
CITY will have to improve their offer if they want to sign Jonny Evans this summer, according to West Brom manager Tony Pulis.
Pulis confirmed West Brom had rejected a bid for Evans, 29, and that only a ‘very, very good offer’ would persuade the Baggies to sell the former United centre-half.
Northern Ireland international Evans joined West Brom two years ago and is now club captain after another ex-Red, Darren Fletcher, left the Hawthorns.
Pep Guardiola is looking to strengthen his options in defence, with John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany the only senior options, and City keen to offload Eliaquim Mangala and Jason Denayer.
The trio all played at Brighton on the opening weekend but Guardiola sees Evans as a homegrown option that would be available for a reasonable fee allowing more money to be spent on a forward such as Alexis Sanchez.
Pulis insists West Brom do not need to sell, but in a situation mirroring that of Sanchez at Arsenal, the former Stoke manager added Evans would sit out today’s match against Burnley through injury.
“We’ve turned down an offer for Jonny,” said Pulis. “He’ll have a late fitness test today. It’s his hamstring.
“We don’t want to sell Jonny and we don’t need to sell him.
“It would have to be a very, very good offer.
“Jonny understands the situation and where everything is. Jonny is happy here and wants to get on with his football.
“Jonny is one of our best players. We all understand where we are.”
City special: Pages 42-44