Manchester United join Manchester City and Arsenal in race for Jonny Evans

Manchester United have entered the race to sign West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans in January after an injury to Eric Bailly. The Ivory Coast international is set to miss the next few months, leaving Jose Mourinho short at the back which has forced him to look at options in the market.

The Mirror reports that a bid of around £30m ($39m) should be enough to sign him in the upcoming transfer window. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester City are also keen to sign the player, having registered their interest in the summer.

Mourinho has previously hinted that he is open to bringing in a few reinforcements in January if the market permits. "I'm not a big defender of the January market, but there are players and situations that sometimes you have the chance to do and you shouldn't lose the chance," Mourinho said, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.

"I don't like the January market just to buy, that no. But if you can buy in January a player that you would buy in June or July and you have the chance to get him a few months before, then great, but just that."

The 29-year-old defender was an integral part of the United team over the years but was allowed to leave the Red Devils to complete a switch to The Hawthorns in 2015.

Since leaving United, Evans has become a talisman for West Brom and Northern Ireland, sparking interest from some of the Premier League's top clubs. His acquaintance with the action in the Premier League is a major selling point for the defender, which would allow him to adjust to the rigours of English football faster than an outsider.

Evans has over 18 months left in his contract at West Brom. The Baggies recently sacked Tony Pulis and replaced him with Alan Pardew, and the ex-Newcastle United and Crystal Palace manager admitted he will discuss Evans' future at the club.

"I think the assurance I need is probably from Jonny more than anybody, and I haven't met him yet. I'm looking forward to seeing him. I think he's a fabulous player and very important for the club, so I will have a good old discussion with him," Pardew said in his first press conference as West Brom manager, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.

City had a £20m ($26m) offer rejected in the last transfer window, while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger also registered his interest. The Gunners are without Shkodran Mustafi, who suffered a groin injury in their defeat to United at the Emirates recently, but the German is likely to be back for their game against Liverpool next weekend.