Thursday 31 August 2017 10:44, UK
Manchester City target Jonny Evans has arrived at Manchester airport to fly out with the Northern Ireland squad for their game with San Marino.
Evans has been the subject of interest from City, Arsenal and Leicester this transfer window, with West Brom rejecting a £21m bid from the Foxes on Tuesday, according to Sky sources.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding Evans, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says it is having no effect on his pre-match preparations.
The 29-year old has made 61 Premier League appearances for the Baggies since arriving from Manchester United in 2015, and Northern Ireland boss O'Neill insists the player's continued transfer business is not affecting the remainder of the squad or his availability on Friday.
"Not really, to be honest," O'Neill told Sky Sports News when asked if Evans' club future was a distraction.
"That's probably down to Jonny more than anything else. He's so grounded and very balanced.
"Obviously the clubs that are mentioned are huge clubs and I'm sure it's a very attractive proposition for him but he's kept his focus in relation to being part of the squad.
"Whether anything happens before Thursday evening remains to be seen. Regardless of what situation occurs at the end of that period, I have no doubts Jonny will play for us Friday night."
Evans, who has featured 61 times for his country, debuted for Northern Ireland in 2006 and West Brom teammate Chris Brunt is not surprised to see the defender linked with numerous clubs this summer following his form for Tony Pulis' side during the past two seasons.
"If you look at the way he's performed for us and how good a footballer he is, he's a top, top player. It's no coincidence teams are looking at him," Brunt said.
Northern Ireland travel to San Marino on Friday evening for their latest Group C World Cup qualifier, live on Sky Sports Mix.
