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Manchester City are expected to return with a second offer for Jonny Evans , after West Brom rejected an initial opening bid of £18m.
The former Manchester United defender has been a wanted man this summer, as Hawthorns sources also revealed that the club rejected two earlier bids this summer from Leicester City.
City manager Pep Guardiola sees the 29-year-old as an ideal player as he seeks to bolster his options in central defence.
Show all 11 1 /11How could Manchester City line up this season? How could Manchester City line up this season? Ederson Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. Ederson’s prowess with the ball at his feet is so well-documented, his other attributes can be overlooked. Relied upon to produce big saves despite long periods of inactivity.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Joao Cancelo Expected to join from Juventus and provide competition for Kyle Walker. An attacking, aggressive full-back, Cancelo is precisely what Guardiola looks for in one of his key positions.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Fernandinho Following Vincent Kompany's departure and no new centre-half signing, Fernandinho may be relied upon in a more reserved role, right at the heart of City's defence rather than their midfield.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Aymeric Laporte Emerged as City’s undisputed first-choice centre-half in his first full season at the Etihad and widely considered the best in the league behind Virgil van Dijk. His ability to move across to left-back when Guardiola requires more protection is a useful asset.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Oleksandr Zinchenko The surprise success story of last year. Guardiola was delighted with Zinchenko’s attitude and application as a makeshift left-back. The Ukrainian rarely, if ever, let City down. While Benjamin Mendy has much to prove, Zinchenko is now an established starter.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Rodri The long-awaited successor to Fernandinho has finally arrived. Rodri brings with him an ability to read the game and dictate play from deep. Often compared to Sergio Busquets, he is a holding midfielder in Guardiola’s own image.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Bernardo Silva City’s player of the season in his sophomore year. Stepped out of the shadows and seemed to have telling impact in almost every game he played. Has definitively moved ahead of namesake David in the pecking order.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Kevin De Bruyne Last year was a frustrating one for De Bruyne, with injury after injury limiting his number of appearances. Fortunately, those knee and muscular problems are not expected to haunt him and this coming season could see a return to form.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Raheem Sterling Commended for his performances on the pitch and the public stances he has taken off it, Sterling has never been more important to City. Perhaps the biggest single beneficiary of Guardiola’s coaching.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Sergio Aguero A convert to Guardiola’s methods, Aguero has become a more complete player without losing any of his scoring capacity. Last season was one of his finest, and there is no reason why he should not maintain that high standard this year.
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How could Manchester City line up this season? Leroy Sane Entering his fourth season in English football and has dazzled when at his very best, but still not holding down a regular starting place. Bayern Munich’s interest is real and Sané could yet leave.
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City were often caught short in that area last season, with just three senior centre halves in Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Vincent Kompany.
West Brom expect to have to fend off another offer, but it would take a sum significantly greater than £18m to tempt them into a sale in the current market.
Evans won three Premier League titles at City’s crosstown rivals United, having been a youth player there before finally leaving for West Brom in 2015.
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