CITY WANT BOTH EVANS AND SANCHEZ THIS MONTH

MANCHESTER CITY have held talks with West Brom about signing Jonny Evans, as Pep Guardiola looks to add a defender and Alexis Sanchez to his squad this month. Arsenal are also interested in Evans, who has 18 months left on his contract and could be available for around £20million. Guardiola is still interested in Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez, whose release clause is £28.5m, but buying the Spain centre-back and Sanchez this month is not considered feasible. Manchester United have asked to be kept abreast of developments with Evans and West Ham have also enquired. Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal would not be able to match any offer City present to Evans, 30, saying: ‘If the decision comes to finances against Manchester City, we know we will be second best.’ City are also well-placed to land Sanchez and star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne dropped a big hint yesterday that a deal is close. Arsenal are in negotiations with City over the Chile forward, who was the subject of a £60m bid from the Premier League leaders in the summer. City had been prepared to wait until the end of the season to sign Sanchez, when the 29-year-old will be a free agent. However, a knee injury to Gabriel Jesus, which is expected to keep the Brazilian out for up to two months, has altered the picture. Arsenal are demanding £35m for Sanchez and City want to pay less, but De Bruyne believes it is a case of when and not if the deal goes through. ‘When he comes, he will add something to the team,’ said the Belgium ace. ‘He’s a very good player. We will see what happens in this transfer period. If a good player comes, that is better for us.’ De Bruyne is relaxed about his own situation as he prepares to sign a new City contract worth more than £200,000 a week. He has nearly four years left on his deal, but City are keen to reward him for becoming one of the outstanding players in the country. ‘We are still in negotiations,’ added De Bruyne. ‘I am waiting for an offer from the club, but my agent has been on holiday. ‘I’m not in a hurry. I still have three-and-a-half years on the contract. I cannot complain for now. Negotiations are going well but they are going quietly. That is the way it should be.’