Jonny Evans to Everton: Manchester United defender 'on verge' of £8m Old Trafford exit

Reports suggest Northern Ireland international will be sold

Jonny Evans (GETTY IMAGES)

Jonny Evans looks set to leave Manchester United this summer, with Everton close to an £8m deal according to reports.

The Northern Ireland international has been at Old Trafford for nine years but has seen his standing at the club weaken since the arrival of Louis van Gaal last summer. Last season he made just 14 Premier League appearances with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling claiming the first-choice centre-backs positions.

With Manchester United pursuing Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Ramos, Evans will be allowed to leave.

United value the 27-year-old at £10m, whereas according to reports Everton value him closer to £6m. The clubs regularly do business and could find a compromise.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez will be acutely aware of the need to strengthen at the back, particularly with Chelsea understood to be pursuing John Stones.

However, Martinez has tried to play down suggestions Evans will be joining this summer. "I always said I'm not going to be commenting publicly on any of the names that have been shared around but I can tell you clearly that there is nothing true in that story," he said.