Everton enter race to sign former Manchester United defender

Everton are ready to rival Manchester City for West Brom defender Jonny Evans in January, claims The Sun.

City wanted to sign Evans towards the end of the summer but were forced to plug their interest after West Brom slapped a £35m asking price on the defender’s head.

Tony Pulis’ side are reportedly now open to selling the former Manchester United defender, but will have to lower their valuation to tempt City back in for the 29-year-old.

Vincent Kompany’s recent injury concerns will force Pep Guardiola to evaluate his defensive options in January, but the City boss can now expect stiff competition from Everton for the Northern Ireland international.

Everton have made an abysmal start to the season and desperately need to revitalise their defence following the performances of veteran centre-backs Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka.

Evans, by his own admission, has not managed to rediscover the form he showed last season and Pulis has attributed his slow start to transfer speculation from the summer.

Nevertheless, since the start of last season, only Simon Francis (189) has won possession in the defensive third more times than Evans (179) in the Premier League.