Manchester City and Arsenal could end up in a bidding war over West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans, according to reports.

The Express report that both clubs are still interested in Evans, and plan to go back in for him in January.

The Gunners and City both showed an interest in the defender over the summer, and seemingly only missed out on the opportunity to sign him because West Brom were unable to secure a replacement.

Things have changed a lot for the Baggies since then, as they’ve dropped down to 17th in the table and let go of manager Tony Pulis, who has been replaced with Alan Pardew. The club may struggle to convince Evans to stay in January given their current woes.

At the same time, Arsenal’s need for a centre-back has only become more apparent with each passing week.

Having Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny as centre-back cover isn’t good enough for Arsenal, and having all three first-choice defenders at fault for at least one of the goals against Manchester United further emphasised Arsenal’s need for reinforcements.

Whether Evans could provide the solution is another matter. Clearly he was good enough to draw those bids from league leaders Manchester City in the summer, but West Brom’s free-fall down the table can’t be doing his market value any favours.

We’ll find out in January whether the rumours are true, and if he’s done enough to be the subject of a bidding war.