Man United keen to sign Jonny Evans despite Harry Maguire’s transfer collapse

Manchester United remain in talks to sign defender Jonny Evans on a permanent basis despite the collapse of Harry Maguire’s proposed move to West Ham.

Evans, 35, joined on a short-term deal to cover United’s pre-season fixtures in July, but that contract has now expired.

Erik ten Hag has revealed talks are ongoing with the United academy product, who watched Monday’s 1-0 win over Wolves from the director’s box at Old Trafford.

“In this moment, he is not (under contract) but we are talking,” Ten Hag said. “We will see. We are in talks and when we have news we will bring it.”

United’s pursuit of the Northern Ireland international, who left Old Trafford for West Brom in 2015 and became a free agent this summer when his contract with relegated Leicester expired, has continued even though Maguire now appears set to stay at the club.

United accepted a £30million offer from West Ham for their former captain last week, but that move stalled with Maguire wanting to stay and fight for his place.

Ten Hag offered the 30-year-old some encouragement when asked what he needed to do to get back into the side.

“I am happy he is here, we need a good squad,” the Dutchman said.

“We have four good centre halves and including Luke Shaw we have five, and we need it because we are going to play 50-60 games this season. All the players are internationals so we have a lot of load to cover.

“I am happy Harry Maguire is here. He is going to have to fight for his position as does everyone in the squad.

“He knows what I expect from him, what I expect from a centre-half. He can do it, he has the abilities to do it so now he has to show it. It is about character, to be convinced to play that role, he has all the abilities to do it.”

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