Jonny Evans to snub Arsenal in favour of Manchester City as Kieran Gibbs closes in on £7m West Brom move

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West Brom centre-back Jonny Evans wants to join Manchester City and would turn down a move to Arsenal in favour of joining Pep Guardiola's project at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola has targeted the Northern Ireland international as a fourth option in the centre of defence, with Evans' ability as a left-footed defender seen as complimenting the options available to him. 

Arsenal have made a late bid to hijack the move, but Evans is not interested in heading to the Emirates Stadium.

Jonny Evans has expressed an interest in joining Manchester City from West Bromwich Albion

Pep Guardiola remains in the driving seat to sign Evans despite late interest from Arsenal

Leicester had a £23million bid rejected for the 29-year-old on Monday, with Evans currently nursing a hamstring injury having not featured for the Baggies this season.

The Gunners have made an enquiry over the defender, but are yet to make a formal bid at this stage.

Coincidentally, Evans along with his Northern Ireland team-mates have been training at Manchester City's training ground this week before flying to San Marino on Thursday, the final day of the transfer window.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is keen for any transfer for Evans to be finalised as soon as possible so he can focus on international commitments. 

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland defender is currently with his countrymen at City's complex

Evans' arrival would pave the way for Eliaquim Mangala to leave the club this transfer window

Evans, who joined West Brom from Manchester United for £6m in August 2015, still lives in the North-west and City are expected to return with an improved bid having been knocked back with their initial £18m. 

Sportsmail understands West Brom are holding out for £30m, and City must move Eliaquim Mangala on before Evans makes the City Football Academy his permanent home. 

Meanwhile, West Brom have agreed a deal with Arsenal for the purchase of Kieran Gibbs with the left-back heading to The Hawthorns to discuss personal terms ahead of a £7m move. 

Arsenal full-back was close to joining Watford but he is now heading to West Brom for £7m

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has swooped for Kieran Gibbs after a move to Watford fell through

Watford pulled out of their interest in the 27-year-old after not being able to meet his wage demands, paving the way for him to join West Brom before Thursday's deadline.

Tony Pulis has used midfielder Chris Brunt in a left wing-back position so far this campaign, but Gibbs is a natural full-back who offers the Albion boss another option.

The England international of 10 caps was close to joining Watford earlier this month before the player's £16m valuation put them off a deal, but with the player having just one year remaining on his contract, the asking price has come down.