Arsenal 'made derisory bid for Jonny Evans'

Arsenal reportedly made an offer of just £12m for the services of West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans in the final stages of the transfer window.

The 30-year-old was courted by a number of sides this month - including Premier League leaders Manchester City and his former side Manchester United - but the Gunners appeared to steal a march over the last week after the Manchester sides cooled their interest.

At one point the Baggies were said to be seeking around £25m for the veteran centre-back, although his asking price was lowered to around £20m as the transfer window developed and bids failed to materialise.

Earlier tonight it was claimed that Arsenal had failed with a late offer for Evans as they were unwilling to go near to West Brom's valuation.

According to The Telegraph's John Percy, the Gunners tabled a bid of £12m that was described as "derisory" and were promptly rejected in "a very brief conversation".

Evans could leave The Hawthorns this summer for just £3m if the club are relegated to the Championship.