Sunday 20 August 2017 20:59, UK
Tony Pulis has pleaded for Jonny Evans to stay at West Brom after the defender missed their 1-0 Premier League win over Burnley.
The Baggies boss insisted Evans was absent because of an ongoing hamstring problem, despite confirming a bid from Manchester City was rejected on Thursday.
"I've spoken about Jonny. I hope and pray he stays, and fingers crossed he does," Pulis said at full-time at Turf Moor.
Sky Sports News understands that City's initial offer was £18m for a player who began his career with their rivals Manchester United.
City boss Pep Guardiola has switched attention to the 29-year-old having realised Southampton will stick true to their word and refuse to sell Virgil van Dijk in the current window.
Pulis would be loathed to lose his skipper, having repeatedly publicised his desire to get "more quality players into the football club" before the transfer deadline.
Evans joined West Brom from United in a £6m deal in 2015, following two loan spells at Sunderland, and he has been excellent for the West Midlands side across 65 appearances.
