Arsenal and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for West Brom skipper Jonny Evans in the January transfer but news of a clause in the defender's contract will likely make a summer transfer would appear to be more appealing.
While the two sides have been heavily courting the Northern Irishman, West Brom are yet to receive a bid.
It wouldn't be a free transfer but Evans could become a bargain in the summer. Here are the best free transfers:
And it's definitely in their best interests to hold off paying upwards of £20 million this January, as Evans could be available for absolute peanuts in the summer window.
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That's because as per Simon Stone from the BBC, there is a clause in the 30-year old's contract which means that if West Brom are relegated, he can leave for a mere £3 million.
The Baggies are said to value Evans at £23 million but if they do fail to avoid the drop, they risk losing him for next to nothing.
Relegation is a definite possibility for Alan Pardew's side. Having won just three games all season, they lie in 19th place on 20 points, three points from safety in the congested dogfight.
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A fundamental problem at the Hawthorns has been the shortage of goals, with West Brom scoring a lowly 19 goals in the league. Only Swansea and Brighton have been less prolific.
Jay Rodriguez is the team's top scorer this term, having netted four so far. They desperately need reinforcements up top and so cashing in on Evans this window, as opposed to potentially losing him for a bargain fee in the summer, would be worthwhile given their shortage of attacking options.
While you can think of a lot more exciting additions than Evans, the former Manchester United man is vastly experienced and Premier League.
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Leicester and Everton have also shown interest in Evans, who could well be even more in demand when the summer window rolls around.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, Football, Premier League, West Brom
