Arsenal could face yet more competition for West Brom defender Jonny Evans as Everton and West Ham have reportedly enter the race for his signature.

Evans was the subject of much transfer speculation in the summer, with Arsenal and Manchester City thought to be interested in signing the £13.5m man..

According to the Mirror, the two remain interested, but could now face additional competition from Everton and West Ham.

They report that new Everton manager Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his defensive options, while new West Ham boss David Moyes believes Evans would add much needed leadership to his backline.

For Arsenal and City, Evans was very much a squad option. In Arsenal’s case, their interest was dependent on the future of Shkodran Mustafi. They were keen on signing him before Mustafi arrived, but only if they couldn’t agree a deal with Valencia.

Their interest resurfaced last summer when Mustafi was being linked with a move to Inter Milan, but they were unable to agree a fee with West Brom.

While Arsenal will need to strengthen their defence in the summer, it remains to be seen if they’ll go back in for Evans in January. Arsene Wenger has settled on his first choice defence, and will feel he has adequate cover.