5 centre-backs Manchester City should be targetting in January

#2. Jonny Evans (West Bromwich Albion)

The Irishman would provide an immediate solution for Pep

The most experienced of all the defenders on the list, Evans’ signing would be one meant to bring immediate assurance and short-term solidity to the Manchester City backline.

He was supposed to be a deadline day signing and the last piece of the puzzle for a City side splashing the cash to fix the inadequacies of the previous season but West Brom coach Tony Pulis was unwilling to lose his second most experienced player and new captain following the departure of Darren Fletcher to Stoke City.

The Northern Ireland international saw it all while playing for City’s cross-town rivals; Manchester United and will provide a calm and reassuring presence allowing City’s adventurous full-backs to bomb forward and support the raids of the already formidable forward line.

A natural successor to Vincent Kompany as the elder statesman of the defence, Evans’ experience, aerial ability and command of the defensive area would be a perfect partner for the younger centre-backs; John Stones and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Evans’ Old Trafford connections were mentioned as a possible reason why the Etihad stadium crowd may not warm to the battle-hardened veteran but given the almost inevitable departure of Kompany (Pep is said to have lost all patience with his continued injury run), the defence is in need of an experienced lynchpin and go-to guy to guide the younger defenders aright and provide a stabilizing platform for the team’s all-out attacking style.

Jonny is the perfect player for the team and it is being rumoured that a £25m bid in January would be enough to seal the deal and bring in Premier League experience to the Sky Blues’ backline.