Arsenal have received a boost in their alleged pursuit of West Brom centre-back, Jonny Evans.

West Brom manager, Alan Pardew, has admitted that the Baggies could struggle to hold onto Evans past January considering the amount of interest their main man is receiving. However, the ex-Newcastle boss insists he’ll doesn’t want to lose the defender.

“I’m never confident when you’ve got great players because other clubs want great players so your best players are always vulnerable,” Pardew said.

“Jonny Evans is certainly one of them, and he’s our captain. Do I want to lose him? Course not. Do I fear losing him? Course I do.”

Arsenal, Manchester City, Everton and West Ham have all been linked with the 29-year-old. The Gunners reportedly even had a £25m bid knocked back on the final day of the transfer window but so far no one has met West Brom’s £30m valuation.

Whether Arsenal are actually prepared to return to West Brom with a higher offer for Evans remains to be seen.

When asked about the deal in September, Arsene Wenger seemed to dismiss any further interest in the Northern Ireland international. However, that was then. With Per Mertesacker becoming head of the academy at the end of the season and Gabriel yet to be replaced, signing a new centre-back wouldn’t be a bad move.

Evans, who’s captained West Brom in 12 Premier League games this term, still has 18 months left on his deal with the Baggies so, as Pardew says, his club are indeed in a vulnerable position.