Jonny Evans left off West Brom squad as Manchester City lurks

Jonny Evans was omitted from West Bromwich Albion's matchday squad Saturday amid interest in the centre-back from Manchester City.

Baggies manager Tony Pulis confirmed Friday that the club had rejected an offer from Pep Guardiola's lot for the ex-Manchester United man, and subsequently left him out of the tie in Burnley.

Related: Pulis confirms West Brom rejected bid for City target Evans

Evans has been dealing with a hamstring problem, hence his exclusion from the season-opening 1-0 defeat of Bournemouth, but his non-involvement in Lancashire will inevitably fuel talk that the Northern Irishman is destined for the Etihad Stadium.

City eyeing Evans came as a shock considering his past at archrival United, and the size of the reported rejected offer of £18 million. It is a thin area for Guardiola's side, though, with Vincent Kompany's continued fitness issues making the back-three of the Belgian, John Stones, and Nicolas Otamendi appear vulnerable. After that trio, Eliaquim Mangala and academy product Tosin Adarabioyo wait in the wings.

Manchester City returns to action Monday when Everton visits M11.