Evans - who has just finished a loan period at deadly rivals Sunderland - would feature on the radar of any club looking to strengthen in the close season.

One of Kevin Keegan's top priorities this summer is to get into a commanding centre-half, but No1 target is Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.

Dunne has had an outstanding season, and looks certain to leave Eastlands if, as expected, Sven-Goran Eriksson is sacked.

Evans' future is undecided, but Sunderland would love to make him a permanent signing, or, if that is not possible, take him on loan for another year.

The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international has made a huge contribution to Sunderland's progress in lengthy loans spells over the last two seasons.

And whether he is allowed to return to Wearside permanently or temporarily is likely to depend upon Manchester United's own progress in the transfer market over the summer.

Ferguson thinks highly of Evans, but is weighing up a massive bid for Manchester City's England star Micah Richards.

If Richards were to arrive at Old Trafford to compete with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, United would have immense strentgth in depth in central defence.

Wes Brown and John O'Shea are also more than capable of filling in at centre-half.

Ferguson might then decide to allow Evans to leave.

If Evans does leave, Sunderland will be his number one choice.

He admires Roy Keane, has become an integral part of the Sunderland squad, and has a great rapport with the fans - not to mention the fact his girlfriend is a mad-keen Sunderland supporter who was delighted to see him return to Wearside this season.

Keane has signalled that little is likely to be resolved in the short-term: "We just have to wait and see," he said. "He's still a Manchester United player and we have to respect that.

"But you have to remember that although our season is over, Manchester United's is not. And nothing will be even looked at until after that."

Evans was given a choice by Manchester United in December of Premier League clubs he could go out to on loan in the January transfer window, and chose Sunderland.