Alan Pardew: 'Still no bids for defender Jonny Evans'

Alan Pardew has insisted that Jonny Evans could still sign a new contract at West Bromwich Albion as no rivals clubs have made an approach.

The Northern Ireland international was a rumoured target for Manchester City in the summer and has since been linked with a number of other top-flight clubs.

Albion boss Pardew admitted ahead of the January transfer window that Evans could well leave this month, but with no offers yet tabled there is still a chance of tying his captain down for the long term.

"It is very much about the bid coming first because there is so much speculation," he told reporters when asked for an update on Evans's future. "We need to see a bid and we haven't seen a bid so all I can report is the facts. We haven't received a bid so Jonny stays here.

"We would give Jonny a new deal - there is no problem about that. I think he is very much aware of that. I think it is about the player and the club coming to an agreement. I don't do that side of the finance but of course we want to keep our best players."

Evans, used 19 times in the Premier League this term, is under contract at The Hawthorns until the end of next season.