Manchester City have reportedly been informed by West Bromwich Albion that they can sign defender Jonny Evans this month for £23.5m.
The 30-year-old has been courted by City, Arsenal and former side Manchester United in recent weeks as the Premier League sides look to shore up their respective backlines, with league leaders City thought to be the most keen of the trio on his signature.
The Baggies, meanwhile, are engaged in a relegation battle this term and manager Alan Pardew has been informed that he has limited transfer funds available this month, leading him to contemplate selling off his star asset.
According to The Sun, West Brom are now "resigned" to losing their skipper and are "braced for a firm bid" from City "in the next 24 hours or so".
The newspaper claims that the club are prepared to accept an offer of £23.5m for a player they signed for a reported £7.5m in 2015.
During his time at The Hawthorns, Evans has made 86 appearances for the club in all competitions and replaced Darren Fletcher as captain last summer.
Neil Wilkes
