Jonny Evans is “close to” signing a one-year contract with Manchester United, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

The Northern Ireland international, who has been capped 102 times by his country, was handed a short-term deal last month so he could play for the Red Devils during pre-season.

Evans had been training at Carrington after being released by Leicester City at the end of June, but manager Erik ten Hag has been keen to tap into his experience.

The Belfast Telegraph report that the Dutchman has been “impressed” with the 36-year-old’s leadership skills and his ability with the ball at his feet.

Evans has subsequently been handed minutes in friendlies versus Lyon, Wrexham and Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks.

Emergency centre-back cover

It should be pointed out that the Red Devils are not exactly short of options in the middle of defence at the moment.

In addition to the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly is still part of the first-team squad.

Both Maguire and Bailly’s futures at Old Trafford do remain uncertain, so there would be some merit in keeping Evans around if those two players leave before the transfer window closes.

Are United looking at other players to reinforce the defence?

Even though Evans has impressed in pre-season, though, not many supporters would want the Northern Irishman becoming fourth choice centre-half.

There is a chance that United may head back into the market to strengthen the backline in the coming weeks. They have already lost out to Chelsea for Monaco’s Axel Disasi but other options are under consideration.

Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo has been scouted for several months but he could cost in excess of €40m (£34m). A surprise alternative could be Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who caught the eye out on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season.