Manchester City defender blocked Evans' move to Etihad

Manchester, Sep 8: West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans has revealed that talks between his current club West Brom and his biggest suitors this summer Manchester City never even reached the point of contacting the player about the move with reports claiming that Eliaquim Mangala’s refusal to join Crystal Palace was the ultimate stumbling block.

The Manchester Evening News claimed that a £18m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side was rejected by West Brom earlier in the transfer window.

As per reports, the Citizens were prepared to up the offer up to £23m on deadline day for Evans if Mangala had gone to Crystal Palace after a £23m bid was made by the London club for the France international as per the Telegraph.

However, as the French international refused to join Crystal Palace, Manchester City could not lodge another bid for Evans who previously used to play for City’s local rivals Manchester United.

Mangala has not featured for Guardiola’s side since the former Barcelona coach’s arrival with the defender not making a competitive appearance for City since May 2016. Pep Guardiola is not a fan of the former Porto star but he chose to stay and fight for his place.

“I don’t make the decisions,” Evans said.

“I’m just someone in the middle with two clubs after me.”

He went on to explain how negotiations never got as far as the player himself but is pleased that the gossip surrounding his future has no affected his performance.

“You’ve just got to let those decisions be made. You’ve got to then make your own decision and it never got to that stage for me,” he explained.

“The most important thing is I’m pleased none of this speculation has affected me, “I probably am playing my best football, but I still think I can push that on. That’s my aim.”

The three-time Premier League winner moved to the West Midlands from Manchester United two years ago and has been a huge hit for Tony Pulis’ side which has eventually attracted interest from bigger clubs.