Following a strong preseason, Manchester United is reportedly close to signing defender Jonny Evans to a one-year contract.

Jonny Evans will be joining Man United?

Mason Mount and Andre Onana from Chelsea and Inter Milan are the two players who Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils have already signed this summer.

Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta is the third high-profile player whose signing is nearly complete, according to Fabrizio Romano, who also revealed that the player has finished his medical and the first portion of his media obligations, with the remaining paperwork to be completed today.

Evans was another player signed over the summer, and according to Ten Hag, he first permitted the 35-year-old to train there while looking for a new team.

“I have known him for a very long time, therefore I am aware that he lived in Manchester.

“He came to practise with us to improve his fitness, and when I told him that not all the players were in because the international players were out and still on vacation, he agreed that it would be a good idea to assist each other out. Jonny can help us and improve his fitness at the same time.

However, Evans then signed a short-term contract that allowed him to participate in friendlies against Lyon and Wrexham. From the looks of things, a new deal that would make Evans a United player for the 2023–24 season seems close to being finalised.

On Tuesday night, The Belfast Telegraph published an update about Man United and Evans. The player has reportedly impressed the Red Devils and Ten Hag and has surpassed expectations. According to the rumour, he is about to sign a 12-month contract at Old Trafford.

They also quoted Evans’ teammate for Northern Ireland, Steven Davis, who said he wouldn’t be shocked if the defender, who doesn’t have a weak foot, earned himself a lengthier stay.

“Having played with him for so many years, I am aware of his qualities and what he offers to the dressing room in terms of experience.

“Having been away from the club for a while, I’m sure that was recognised very early on. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him being there past preseason. Since everyone ranks him highly anytime they play with him and get a chance to see his talent up close, I believe we were all taken aback when Man United let him leave.

Whom else might Man United pursue?

Evans, praised as “intelligent” by Brendan Rodgers, might offer greater protection at centre back for Ten Hag as the season progresses, even though Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez appear to be the first choice ahead of the new campaign.

Before the window shuts, Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly might drop out, leaving Evans and Victor Lindelof as possible experienced backup alternatives. However, it’s possible that Man United will continue to add players; another new midfielder is rumoured to be on the way.

After the transfers for Hojlund and Evans, attention may turn to Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina, who is reportedly close to a £26 million move to Old Trafford to reunite with Ten Hag. If true, it would mark the start of a hectic month both on and off the pitch.