Even though Manchester United have won five of their last six Premier League matches, it's their neighbours who continue to run away with the title.

The Red Devils edged past Bournemouth in midweek but find themselves 14 points behind Manchester City ahead of Sunday's trip to West Brom.

To make matters worse, manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that Eric Bailly requires ankle surgery and is set to miss three months of action.

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The 23-year-old has established himself as Man Utd's most dominant defender since becoming Mourinho's very first signing at the club, so his absence will be a massive blow.

However, it looks like United could do something about it in the upcoming transfer window - and it involves bringing a former player back to Old Trafford.

Man Utd ready to sign ex-player

Given Bailly's injury, The Mirror have reported that Man United are ready to make a shock bid to bring 29-year-old Jonny Evans back to the club in January.

After graduating from United's youth system, the Northern Irishman made 198 appearances over nine seasons before being sold in 2015 by Louis van Gaal.

It's believed that Mourinho views letting Evans join West Brom for a mere £6 million was a "huge mistake" by his predecessor, and now wants him back, but he may face stiff competition.

Man City saw a £20 million bid for the West Brom captain rejected in the summer, while Arsenal are also thought to be interested following Shkodran Mustafi's injury problems.

Both of those clubs could also be preparing January bids for the ex-Man United man, who has played 15 times this season for the relegation-threatened Baggies.

Do Man Utd need to sign him?

Evans turns 30 in January, and West Brom will reportedly accept offers of around £30 million for their skipper, however many people will question whether Man Utd really need to sign him.

Mourinho already has his old teammates Chris Smalling and Phil Jones available to choose from, not to mention Axel Tuanzebe, Marcos Rojo and summer signing Victor Lindelof.

Do YOU think Evans would be a good signing for Man Utd in January? Do they really need to sign him? Leave YOUR opinions in the comments box below!