Thursday 17 August 2017 13:11, UK
Shay Given says it is "refreshing" to see his former club Manchester City show an interest in West Brom defender Jonny Evans.
City have had an £18m bid rejected by the Baggies as Pep Guardiola looks to recruit defensive cover before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Evans spent nine seasons with City's bitter rivals Manchester United earlier in his career but Given insists he isn't surprised Guardiola has attempted to sign the Northern Ireland international.
"It doesn't [surprise me] and it's quite refreshing that Man City are trying to buy a British or Irish player because we always see these foreign imports coming in who don't know the Premier League," Given said.
"Jonny Evans is a very experienced defender. He's won the Premier League three times at Man United - maybe that's why there was some question marks when Man City were interested.
"But this time last year, Arsenal were interested in him as well. So I think he's a quality defender, he knows the league, he's the captain now at West Brom, he's a leader at the back and I think he'll be a great addition."
City have spent heavily on their defence this summer - signing Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo for a combined fee of over £120m.
However, with club captain Vincent Kompany continuing to struggle with injuries and John Stones and Eliaquim Mangala short on form, Given believes Evans would provide much-needed cover at the heart of the defence as City look to compete on four fronts this season.
"He's 29 years of age, and ready to go straight on the team," said Given, who made 69 appearances for City over the course of three seasons.
"Mangala was £30m, they're trying to loan him out at the minute. Otamendi was £30m plus. For me Vincent Kompany's the best defender at Manchester City, but he's had a few injury problems.
"And Pep Guardiola is probably looking at that situation thinking can Vincent play every Champions League, Premier League, cup game? The answer is probably no. So Jonny Evans would be a perfect replacement."
