Manchester United are now reportedly on the verge of sealing a surprise permanent deal for one of their former players.
United are yet to wrap up their transfer business in this window, with the club said to be close to completing the signing of back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce.
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The Red Devils are also still believed to be chasing Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat, although the Old Trafford outfit is yet to make any real headway in getting that deal over the line.
However, the English giants are now said to be at an advanced stage of sealing a move for a defender instead.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Red Devils are close to reaching an agreement to sign centre-back Jonny Evans on a permanent deal.
The 35-year-old has been training with the club's first team after he signed a short-term contract to provide cover during pre-season, and it is claimed manager Erik ten Hag has been impressed by the Northern Ireland international, who is now expected to put pen to paper on a new 12-month contract.
Evans made 198 appearances for the side under Sir Alex Ferguson, having broken into the first-term from the club's academy back in 2006, before leaving permanently for West Bromwich Albion in 2015.
Last week, Ten Hag confirmed that the club were in talks over extending the former Leicester City star's contract, but also insisted that future of Harry Maguire, who has been linked with an exit from the Theatre of Dreams, has no bearing on the matter.
"No, [Harry Maguire's situation] doesn't affect that," the Dutchman said, according to Manutd.com.
"We will see. We are in talks and when we have news, we will bring that, as always.
"In this moment, [Evans is] not [under a long-term contract]. I have to say, it's a short [deal] for this month, he's under contract. But we are talking."
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