Jonny Evans 'on verge of signing one-year deal at Manchester United'

Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of announcing a one-year contract for Jonny Evans.

The 35-year-old is a free agent this summer, with his deal at Leicester City expiring on June 30, and he has previously been linked with a move to Everton.

Evans started pre-season training with the Red Devils in July, and he featured in four of their pre-season friendlies against Lyon, Wrexham, Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao after signing a short-term deal.

During his press conference on Friday afternoon, Man United head coach Erik ten Hag revealed that the club were in talks with the Northern Ireland international over a contract.

Evans is believed to have made a huge impression on Ten Hag and his coaching staff during his time at Old Trafford due to his leadership qualities.

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According to The Sun, the experienced defender is preparing to sign a contract until next June, which could see Harry Maguire become the fifth-choice centre-back at Old Trafford.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are the first-choice centre-backs, with Victor Lindelof next in line, and it is believed that Evans could be the fourth-choice ahead of Maguire.

Ten Hag reiterated on Friday that he wants to keep Maguire at Old Trafford, with a recent move to West Ham United breaking down, but there is still thought to be a chance that the defender could leave before the end of the summer transfer window in search of regular action.

Eric Bailly is still at the club, but the Ivory Coast international is not in the plans of Ten Hag and will be on the move before the end of the transfer window.

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"In this moment, [he's] not [under contract]. I have to say, it's a short [deal] for [last] month [July], he's under contract. But we are talking," Ten Hag said on Friday when asked about Evans's future.

When asked whether he wanted the defender to remain, he added: "Yeah. Otherwise, we would not talk."

Evans came through the youth system at Man United and went on to represent the Red Devils on 198 occasions between 2006 and 2015 before leaving for West Bromwich Albion.

The defender then joined Leicester City in 2018, making 152 appearances for the Foxes, including 14 last season, before leaving the King Power Stadium when his contract expired.

Man United are also still believed to be in the market for another central midfielder this summer, although the club allegedly first need to move Donny van de Beek on.