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Albion turn to Jonny Evans after Fazio rebuff

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Albion could turn to Manchester United defender Jonny Evans after a deal to sign Tottenham's Federico Fazio broke down over personal terms.

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The Baggies are set to make a fresh move for Evans after Fazio failed to agree a contract to move to The Hawthorns following a day of talks yesterday.

The 28-year-old Argentina international passed a medical at Albion's training ground after the club agreed a fee of around £5m with Spurs.

But Fazio could not agree terms over his contract and the Baggies have now put the move on hold.

Federico Fazio only joined Tottenham last year on a four-year contract

They could resurrect their interest and are set to enquire with Tottenham about a possible loan deal.

But in the meantime they have turned to other targets, and that could bring Evans back into the picture.

Evans came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and has played over 200 matches since breaking into United's first team nine years ago but he has just one year remaining on his contract and looks set to leave this summer.

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The 27-year-old has yet to figure this season while a combination of injuries and a six-match spitting ban saw him limited to just 17 appearances last season.

Albion boss Tony Pulis wants to add younger blood to his collection of ageing central defenders and had hoped to conclude a deal for Fazio yesterday.

However, he is also a big admirer of Evans and will now investigate the possibility of taking the Northern Ireland international from Old Trafford.

The arrival of a new centre-back would increase the prospect of Joleon Lescott leaving The Hawthorns after just one season.

The former Wolves and England man was dropped for last weekend's goalless draw at Watford and is in dispute with Albion about extending his contract, which has just one guaranteed season remaining plus the option of another.

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Villa had a £1m bid rejected earlier in the summer and are still believed to be interested in Lescott, who grew up supporting the club.

Pulis said: "It's stuff the club are dealing with, I know Joleon has been speaking to Ricard Garlick (director of football administration), but Joleon's a good professional and a top lad. He's been first class.

"It's a rolling thing, and until it stops we don't know where the balls will lie."