Jonny Evans may not shine brightly but Arsenal or Manchester City would be making a shrewd signing if they meet West Brom's £35m valuation of leader

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It is a curious fact that Jonny Evans has not been involved in a Premier League win since March 2017, an excruciating run stretching back 28 matches.

And when measured against centre-backs at top six clubs his statistics from this season, affected by that barren sequence, fail to explain easily why his name features highly on a number of wish lists.

But should Manchester City or Arsenal put forward an offer that West Bromwich Albion accept – a sum believed to be around £35million – it would be shrewd business by the buying club.

Jonny Evans is a target for both Arsenal and Manchester City during the January window

The 30-year-old defender has - curiously - not won a Premier League game yet this campaign

Evans possesses attributes that transcend the black and white of spreadsheets, and for a player of his portfolio the price put on his head by West Brom in this current market is fair.

He is a player whose quality is shown by having won three Premier League titles while at Manchester United. He was not the stand-out defender during that period but he did make meaningful contributions in each campaign. In 2008-09 he started 17 matches, in 2010-11 that figure was 13, and in 2012-13 he began 23 times.

There were also two League Cups and it is a mark against Louis Van Gaal rather than Evans that a £6m sale was sanctioned in August 2015. Given Evans’ impact at the Hawthorns and the way costs have spiralled since, that fee appears minuscule in hindsight.

Evans is not a standout player statistically but his value comes from elsewhere in his game

At West Brom, Evans became the main figurehead in defence, having been forced to contend with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford, and he has seized the responsibility.

His high standards raised West Brom’s aspirations and though Darren Fletcher wore the armband for the most part, Evans has contributed in a leadership sense too. He is described as a diligent, conscientious individual and popular among the squad.

But it is what happens on the pitch that matters and in that regard Evans has excelled even the highest expectations. He is comfortable on the ball, eminently dependable in terms of decision-making, knows when to play and when to clear, and is a constant communicator along the backline.

The centre back was part of three title winning sides while he was at Manchester United

It is those attributes that have attracted Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger, with Evans addressing an area of concern for each manager.

Evans would easily slot into City’s defence, capable of accepting possession under pressure and finding a pass in tight circumstances, and crucially he is left-footed, providing a balance that has sometimes been lacking for Guardiola. City’s goals against column is superb but Guardiola’s exacting demands need no introduction and Evans would fix an issue.

For Arsenal, Evans would finally bring the mentality of a winner and a strong presence on the training ground. Wenger’s team has needed leaders for a considerable time and Evans fits the bill perfectly. He has also played in a back three and central midfield, so brings valuable adaptability.

Evans is a leader, a good passer of the ball, and would be ideal for both City and Arsenal

Evans has been an important player during Northern Ireland's unexpected successful period

Altogether Evans has 226 top-flight appearances under his belt and he has dealt with various pressures at the top and bottom of the table in his career, as well as during Northern Ireland’s improbable years of success.

He turned 30 this month, but having altered his training regimes to include yoga and stretching exercises he has overcome the injury issues that blighted his early 20s and has plenty of years left ahead at the top of the game.

West Brom recognise his talent and influence and have offered a new contact worth £100,000 per week in a bid to keep Evans at the club. But it is unlikely to be signed and with 18 months left on his current terms a sale this month seems probable.

Alan Pardew would use the finance to bolster his attack in the fight for survival but West Brom will not sell for under their valuation. If Evans does go, it would be money well spent. 

He is unlikely to sign a new contract at West Brom but it would still be money well spent