According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have potentially been boosted in their pursuit of West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans after Baggies boss Alan Pardew admitted that he ‘fears’ losing the Northern Ireland international during the January transfer window.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Mirror reported on Wednesday that the Irons had joined Premier League rivals Everton and Manchester City in the race to sign the 29-year-old, and Pardew’s latest comments suggest that he is worried he could lose the centre-back, who has 18 months left on his contract, in the New Year.
Speaking ahead of his team’s huge clash against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, Pardew said: “I’m never confident when you’ve got great players because other clubs want great players, so your best players are always vulnerable.
“Jonny Evans is definitely one of them and he is our captain. Do I want to lose him? Of course not. Do I fear losing him? Of course I do.”
How has Evans done this season?
Despite missing the start of the campaign because of injury, the West Brom skipper has returned and been one of his side’s most consistent performers, even though his side have failed to win in any of his 12 Premier League appearances this term.
The 29-year-old has shown his leadership skills and his defensive abilities however, and it is no surprise that a number of top flight clubs are keen on him.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
He certainly would be.
Evans is first and foremost a good defender – according to Squawka he has made 49 clearances, 19 interceptions and six blocks in 12 Premier League outings this term – but he is also a leader, an organiser and is also good on the ball.
The 29-year-old knows exactly what to do when he is in possession, and he has also shown his ability to bring the ball out from the back by successfully completing all six of the take-ons he has attempted.
Will West Ham get him?
It’s difficult to say.
If Evans wants one last attempt at winning a trophy he could opt for Man City, but if he wants guaranteed first-team football then a move to a club like West Ham in the London Stadium may well be tempting – that is if he does decide to leave West Brom in January.
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