New deal for Evans

SIR Alex Ferguson has confirmed Jonny Evans is on the verge of signing a new long–term contract with Manchester United.

After spending a couple of spells on loan at Sunderland, Evans has made huge progress in the last two seasons.

The Northern Ireland international has now made 64 first–team appearances for United, the latest coming in Sunday’s victory at the Stadium of Light, and has proved himself good enough to stand in for Rio Ferdinand during the defender’s increasingly frequent injury absences.

Although there has been no formal announcement from Old Trafford, Ferguson let slip at last night’s player–of–the–year awards that Evans has agreed a new deal, which is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.