OPINION
It will take something special from Aston Villa and their manager Steve Bruce to pull off a signing of Jonny Evans’ calibre, but that is exactly what they should aim to do.
This time last summer, they added Wales international James Chester to their ranks and he arrived from West Brom, the same club Evans is currently playing for.
The former Manchester United centre-back is one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League, with his ability to read the game and bring the ball out from the back, being his biggest strengths.
Evans’, 29, signing alone would a different belief to a Villa team that is hoping to earn promotion from the Championship next season.
Not only that, he would not need to settle in because he would understand what it is like to play under pressure and in front of big crowds who are demanding success.
During his career, Evans has won three-Premier League titles, two League Cups and one European Cup, all under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
The Northern Ireland international would also be able to form a partnership with Villa’s best centre-back, James Chester, the duo played with one another during their time at West Brom.