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What's the story?
Manchester United are left with just Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as experienced centre-backs in the squad and Jose Mourinho has asked for reinforcements. The Red Devils are now set to head into the transfer market looking for a defender who has played in the Premier League.
Reports in Mirror claim that Mourinho has asked the club to Jonny Evans next month. The 29-year-old has been doing well at West Bromwich Albion and is now set for a return to Old Trafford – 2.5 years after leaving.
In case you didn't know...
Eric Bailly got injured during United's 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea in the first week of November. The Ivory Coast star has not played for the club ever since.
He was set to return in early December but a minor issue had kept him out until New Year. But now, Mourinho has confirmed that the centre-back will be out for 2-3 months.
Evans in an academy product who was brought to the first team by Sir Alex Ferguson. The Ireland defender was a regular at the back but could not convince Louis van Gaal enough during the Dutchman's time at Old Trafford.
He was sold to West Brom for a reported fee of just £6 million with £2 million as add-ons.
The heart of the matter
Evans has become one of the most consistent defenders in the league ever since his move to The Hawthorns. He was a target for Manchester City and Arsenal in the summer but Tony Pulis made sure that he was not sold at any cost.
However, with the manager sacked and the club struggling in the relegation zone, the Baggies might feel that this is the right time to cash-in on him. Manchester United will reportedly have to fork out £30 million to sign him but will face tough competition from Manchester City who are also on the hunt for a centre back.
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Author's Take
It's a surprise to see how much a player has changed in just over 2 years. From being ridiculed by the manager and fans at Old Trafford, Evans has shown that he still has everything that Sir Alex once saw in him.
