Pardew fears losing West Brom captain Evans in January

New West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Pardew isn't confident that captain Jonny Evans will remain with the club beyond the January transfer window.

The former Manchester United defender was a surprise target of Manchester City last summer until the two sides failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.

Evans remained at West Brom after the summer window closed, but speculation over his future persisted with news that Arsenal reportedly expressed an interest.

Despite praising Evans' positive attitude after meeting him in the weeks following his appointment as manager last month, Pardew admits he fears for the Northern Ireland international's future in a Baggies top.

"I'm never confident when you've got great players because other clubs want great players, so your best players are always vulnerable," Pardew said, according to Matthew Treadwell of Sky Sports.

"Jonny Evans is definitely one of them and he is our captain. Do I want to lose him? Of course not. Do I fear losing him? Of course I do.

"There was interest in him in the summer so it makes sense to stir it up. They are good headlines for the media. I understand that, we deal with it and Jonny has dealt with it in his own way."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola conceded his club couldn't afford Evans after a reported bid of £18 million was rejected. West Brom reportedly held out for a fee around £25 million.

Evans, 29, spent over 10 years with United before making the switch to the Midlands side in 2015.