City turn sights on Evans and Martinez

Manchester City will step up their interest in Real Sociedad central defender Inigo Martinez or Jonny Evans, the West Bromwich Albion captain, after Virgil van Dijk signed for Liverpool for £75 million.

The latest injury to Vincent Kompany, the 39th of his City career, has increased the need to sign a central defender, although John Stones has returned to training. Kompany suffered yet more calf pain during the 1-0 victory away to Newcastle United and was replaced after just 11 minutes. It is understood to be a minor injury, but a similar setback for Kompany earlier this season led to an 11-week absence.

Manager Pep Guardiola’s postmatch comments appeared pointed. Asked whether the latest injury breakdown would influence City’s recruitment plans next month, Guardiola replied: “I don’t know what is going to happen. Unfortunately, he [Kompany] is injured again, like the last three years and we have to see how long it is going to take him to recover.”

City were interested in Van Dijk but were not prepared to meet Southampton’s asking price.

They attempted to sign Evans, 29, last summer for £21 million. However, Albion manager Alan Pardew has indicated that the Northern Ireland centre-half may go next month as he has just one year left on his contract after this campaign. Arsenal and Everton have also been interested in Evans, who is rated at £30 million.

City have also tracked Barcelona target Martinez. The 26-year-old, who has four Spain caps, is understood to have a release clause of £28 million in his contract.