OPINION
If West Bromwich Albion do end up getting relegated from the Premier League this season, then the vultures will inevitably begin to circle for their prize assets.
And while the Baggies possess several talents that will complete a move back up to the top-flight, there is one that will undoubtedly be at the top of the list for several top clubs.
Veteran defender Jonny Evans has been given a new lease of life during his time at the Hawthorns, and his brilliant form over the past two seasons has attracted the attention of Manchester City and Arsenal in recent windows.
And, according to the Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are now considering entering the race for the 30-year-old, who will be able to leave the club for just £3million if they are indeed relegated.
The newspaper claim that Spurs see Evans as a possible replacement for Toby Alderweireld, who could leave the club for around £40million this summer.
While highly-coveted Evans is no doubt a solid player, and would be a good addition to the Spurs squad, this is a move that makes little sense for the club.
Alderweireld’s potential exit is reportedly down to a dispute over his wages, with the Belgian wanting a big pay rise to become the club’s top earner at around £150,000-a-week.
The vast majority of people who have watched the enforcer play for Spurs over the past three seasons will tell you that he is worth every penny of that wage.
And yet, Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy are up to their old tricks again, looking for a cheaper way out of the situation by selling Alderweireld and bringing in Evans.
Yes, the club would receive a big pay-out for Alderweireld, with Evans coming in for just £3million, but they would be losing one of their best players, who is priceless to this side as they chase silverware.
The Belgian slots into their starting line up seamlessly, while Evans would need time to adapt to Mauricio Pochettino’s training methods and system.
Such a move may be a smart financial decision, but it would be a monumental footballing error, and Levy must see sense before it’s too late.