West Bromwich Albion want to have a deal in place for Mamadou Sakho before they consider letting Jonny Evans leave the club.
Manchester City have failed with an offer of £18million for Evans, who they want to complete their haul of senior central defenders which currently consists of Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones. Pep Guardiola, though, is widely expected to return with an improved bid.
The Baggies are hugely reluctant to lose their skipper, particularly after already seeing Darren Fletcher depart earlier this summer, but they accept they would find a sizeable offer difficult to refuse. Manager Tony Pulis is, therefore, already making moves to find a suitable replacement.
And it is believed the Albion boss has made Sakho his first choice target. The France international joined Liverpool from Paris Saint Germain for £18million in 2013, but he has a stormy relationship with head coach Jurgen Klopp who was happy to let the player see out last season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Sakho played a key role in ensuring the Eagles avoided relegation from the top-flight despite only making eight appearances, and the capital club were keen to take him on a permanent basis. However, Frank de Boer has all but ruled out such a move due to the Reds’ valuation of the 27-year-old.
It is believed the Anfield club want £30million for the defender, who is under contract until 2020. Palace’s seemingly removal from the list of potential buyers could open the door for West Brom, who would want a deal in place before letting Evans return to Manchester with the blue half of the city.
