Jonny Evans in talks with Manchester United over contract extension
Manchester United are in talks with Jonny Evans over a new contract whilst wanting to sign a new central defender this summer, as quoted by Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth in a report by GIVEMESPORT.
Jonny Evans, 36, returned to Manchester United last summer on a free transfer from Leicester City, signing a one-year deal in the process. He initially joined the club during pre-season in order to maintain his fitness levels, but having impressed the manager Erik ten Hag, the veteran defender was handed a one-year deal.
The Northern Ireland international featured in 30 games across all competitions, including a substitute appearance in the Red Devils’ 2-1 FA Cup final win over neighbours Manchester City at Wembley Stadium last month.
However, Evans will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month. The 20-time English champions remain in contact with the defender and his representatives over a contract extension.
In addition, Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth claims that Manchester United are prioritising a new central defender this summer to replace Raphael Varane.
The club wants to sign a new centre-back after the exit of Varane and other defenders failing to find consistency due to injury problems. Varane, 31, like other defenders, also struggled with fitness issues last season as he managed only 22 Premier League appearances, leaving Erik ten Hag devoid of options and routines at the back.
“I think those two positions will be the ones that United will look at, purely because of numbers,” Dharmesh Sheth told GIVEMESPORT in an exclusive interview.
“Number one, Raphael Varane, who, when he was fit, was the first-choice central defender alongside Lisandro Martinez, who was injured for a majority of last season as well, so you’ve got issues there in central defence anyway.
“They are continuing talks with Johnny Evans over a new deal, but look, he’s in his late 30s now, and he’s not like the long-term answer at United.
“So I think they will want to recruit another central defender who can take United forward in the next four, five, six years. So that will definitely be a priority.”
Man United are looking to shake up their defensive unit after conceding 58 goals in 38 Premier League games. Due to the unavailability of players, our defence was all over the place last season under Ten Hag.
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So, the club must definitely sign a quality central defender this summer to bolster our defensive line. Also, keeping Evans at the club for another year would be wise due to his volumes of experience and leadership skills.
