Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 7y

Eliaquim Mangala move could key Man City's signing of Jonny Evans - sources

West Brom defender Jonny Evans is expected to join Manchester City if Eliaquim Mangala leaves the club before the transfer window closes, sources have told ESPN FC.

City have already had an £18 million bid for the Northern Ireland international turned down but will return with an improved offer if they can move out Mangala, who has failed to convince Pep Guardiola that he can be part of his plans.

Mangala, 26, could even join West Brom as part of the deal if he is prepared to take a reduction in salary.

The French international's agent was in England on Sunday to try to finalise his exit ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline, with Italian side Inter Milan also linked with a move.

City are expected to make a renewed offer for Evans before Thursday, with Leicester City also interested in signing the centre back.

West Brom want £30m for the former Manchester United man and the Foxes made a £21m offer on Monday, which was rejected.

But City are in pole position for Evans, who still lives near Manchester, with the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Guardiola wants more English and homegrown players in his squad, with Evans seen as good fit because of his experience and ability to play out from the back.

Evans is currently in Manchester with the Northern Ireland squad ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

The 29-year-old has not played for West Brom this season due to a hamstring problem. He is expected to leave The Hawthorns but wrote in the matchday programme for the Baggies' game with Stoke on Sunday that he remained focused.

"Obviously, there's been a bit of speculation around my future here but from my point of view, it's very simple. All I've been concentrating on is getting fit and getting back out on the pitch and doing my bit for the team," Evans said.

"Every window there's always speculation over transfers but as players these things are often out of your control and it's best not to think about it too much.

"Until anybody tells me different, I'm only committed to Albion and I'm only thinking about getting in this team. It's a great club and and I'm proud to be captain."

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