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Albion's Evans swoop to spark Lescott move to Villa

Albion are poised to complete the signing of Jonny Evans this weekend – paving the way for Joleon Lescott's switch to Villa.

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The Baggies have agreed a fee in the region of £6m, rising to £8m, with Manchester United for the defender.

The 27-year-old Northern Ireland international will now hold talks and undergo a medical ahead of ending his nine-year stay at Old Trafford.

Boss Tony Pulis said: "Jonny would be a great signing for the football club but it's down to the money men and his side, it takes three parties, the player and the clubs. I'd love to sign Jonny Evans."

United boss Louis Van Gaal had planned to play Evans in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ajax on Thursday but pulled him out of the line-up.

Evans has made 196 appearances for United, scoring seven goals, since making his debut in 2007 after coming through the ranks at Old Trafford. His move to The Hawthorns is likely to trigger Lescott's exit after a year after joining the Baggies.

Meanwhile, Pulis has refused to rule out the sale of Saido Berahino despite chairman Jeremy Peace's emphatic statement on the striker's future on Thursday.

And the Albion boss, who hopes to sign David Marshall as well as Evans before Tuesday's deadline, also declined to rule out a bid for unsettled Stoke forward Jon Walters. But Berahino's future is still set to dominate the final three days of the window despite Peace's attempt to draw a line under the saga involving Tottenham, who have had two bids rejected.

Peace insisted Berahino will not be sold, but Pulis said: "I never say never about anything until it's closed and factual.

"I wasn't in the discussions the chairman had with Saido. I'll have a chat with the lad. It's not just about football – it's about the lad and what he's going through.

"He's a human being, he's not just a lump of meat who people are trying to sell."

He has emotions and, having spoken to him, he needs protecting."

Albion still hope to complete a late deal for Marshall despite Cardiff insisting the Scotland international goalkeeper will not be sold.

And Evans is trying to tie up the loose ends of his departure from Manchester United.

"I think he would be a great signing and now it's down to the money men and his side," said Pulis.

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