Sunderland defender Jonny Evans has admitted he would seriously consider a permanent move to Sunderland if Manchester United decided to let him go.

The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international is desperate to make his name with the club he supported as a boy, and is determined to prove himself to Sir Alex Ferguson and win a place in his long-term plans.

However, having impressed during his two loan spells at the Stadium of Light under the charge of United old boy Roy Keane, he would listen favourably to what the Black Cats had to say should his Old Trafford dreams not work out.

Evans told the Sunderland Echo: "When Roy Keane says he wants you, it's a massive compliment.

"If he wanted to make this move permanent, it's something I would want to talk about.

"Playing in the Premier League in games that matter is what it's all about, and what I want to be doing for a few years to come.

"But nothing has been said at all by Sunderland or Manchester United about anything beyond this season.

"Everything's very similar to the situation when I was here last season.

"The most important thing at the moment is that we get results and no-one is looking beyond our next game."

Keane's admiration for Evans is well known - the defender played a major part in the club's surge towards the Coca-Cola Championship last season and it is no secret that the manager enquired over his availability on a permanent basis during the summer break.

But Ferguson had his own plans for the promising youngster and having named him in his first-team squad, handed him a start in the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat by Coventry and a taste of Champions League action against Dynamo Kiev and Roma.

However, when Keane came calling once again in January, Ferguson agreed to another loan deal and Evans has started all 11 games since his return to Wearside to gain further vital experience.

Evans, who played in Northern Ireland's 4-1 win over Georgia on Wednesday night, said: "I am really enjoying playing a full part in Sunderland's season.

"Sometimes it seems a bit unreal that I am back at Sunderland. It didn't look like it was going to happen when the gaffer (Keane) asked the question early in the season and United wanted me there.

"But it's great to be playing and testing myself in Premier League games, and it's something I want a lot more of.

"United is the club I support and to have the chance to make it there is still a great opportunity that no player surrenders easily.

"But if I was ever going to leave Manchester United, Sunderland would definitely be an option for me - if they want me."

Evans seems certain to retain his place for Saturday's home clash with West Ham as Sunderland attempt to win back-to-back games to further ease their fears of relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Last weekend's 1-0 win at Aston Villa was their first on the road this season and left them four points clear of the bottom three.

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