Jonny Evans is in the final year of his contract (Getty Images)
According to Daily Star, Leicester City are set to hold talks with defender Jonny Evans over a new contract soon.
Evans, 32, started with Greenisland FC and joined Manchester United’s youth system. However, initially, he struggled to find regular game time with United’s senior team and was sent on several loan spells. He had featured for clubs like Royal Antwerp and Sunderland before establishing himself under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2008.
He won several trophies at old Trafford including, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and three League cups. He was also instrumental in Manchester United’s Champions League-winning 2007/08 campaign.
He then left for West Brom in August 2015 and made 96 appearances for the Baggies before joining Leicester City in the summer of 2018. Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has helped his side to 3rd position in the league table this season. Evans is also a regular member of the Northern Island squad, making 78 appearances to date.
The Foxes, meanwhile, are within the top four of the league table though their form in the last few weeks has taken a slight hit. Star striker Jamie Vardy has led the line brilliantly, scoring 19 goals so far and is the league’s top scorer.
However, one of the major reasons for Leicester’s success is their stability at the back. Evans and Caglar Soyuncu have formed a strong partnership throughout the campaign. They have conceded just 31 goals in 32 league games, which is the second-best defensive record in the league.
While the duo has been called upon regularly, the Foxes don’t have any other established defender in their ranks. Club captain Wes Morgan is already 36 and reaching the rear end of his career. He has been rarely used by the Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers.
Filip Benkovic (22) and Ryan Bennett (30) have just returned to King Power Stadium after their respective loan spells ended. They have not been in good form and thus, keeping hold of Evans by handing a new deal would them a world of good.
The Northern Ireland international, despite being 32, has featured in every league game so far and is one of the best players in the squad. He has been their leader in the absence of Morgan and his experience could come in handy for the Foxes as they are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
The former Manchester United man is an experienced campaigner and has already played at the highest level. And he could be a role model for the youngsters coming through the ranks.
At 32, Evans looks to be going strong and has the ability to play at the highest level for a few more years. And with the lack of adequate numbers at the back for the Foxes, they should manage to keep hold of the 3-time Premier League winner for as long as possible. And thus, handing a new contract to the former United man would be a wise decision by the club.
