WBA say Evans had permission to sit out finale

WEST Brom have leapt to the defence of Jonny Evans after the Northern Ireland international was accused of informing the club he didn’t want to play in the final game of the season by text.

It was claimed the 30-yearold former Manchester United defender (below) sent a message to caretaker manager Darren Moore ruling himself out of Sunday’s defeat at Crystal Palace.

Argentinian midfielder Claudio Yacob was also accused of pulling out in similar fashion.

But the relegated club have stressed that both players had permission to miss the game.

Albion officials say that both players were absent after full and amicable conversations with Moore, who is said to have been perfectly happy with the agreement.

Evans, who has just collected the International Personality of the Year prize at the Northern Ireland Football Awards, will leave the Baggies with Leicester City, Arsenal, West Ham and Manchester United interested.

The Belfast man will net a Premier League return as he has a cut-price £3million release clause written into his contract now that Albion are relegated.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland U21 international Ben Hall, who has been on loan at Notts County, has had his contract extended by Brighton for another season.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has been rewarded with a new contract after keeping the Seagulls in the Premier League.

The 59-year-old has agreed fresh terms until 2021 after guiding Brighton to 15th place.