City target ex-Reds defender Evans

MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola is targeting West Brom defender Jonny Evans to strengthen his defensive options.

The former Manchester United player could join the small number of players to have appeared for both City and United if a deal can be agreed with the Baggies.

City have already expressed a firm interest in the 29-year-old Northern Ireland international, Press Association Sport understands.

According to several reports, West Brom have turned down an £18million bid from City for the 29-year-old, after a £10m offer from Leicester was also rejected.

City boss Guardiola said last month he was hoping to have a bigger pool of centre-halves to choose from, with John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany his current senior options.

Eliaquim Mangala is not in favour at City, and has been linked with Inter Milan.

Guardiola is thought to see Evans as a more reliable option at the back, given his wealth of Premier League and European experience.

West Brom have made clear their intention to keep hold of Evans, and boss Tony Pulis appointed him captain following Darren Fletcher's move to Stoke earlier this summer.

Leicester's interest earlier this summer prompted Pulis to say in July: "Jonny Evans is staying at West Bromwich Albion Football Club. There is no doubt about that."