Jonny Evans Claims George Best Would Be 'Priceless' in Modern Era on 11th Anniversary of His Death
Jonny Evans has claimed that Manchester United legend George Best would be a "priceless" commodity if he was a footballer in the modern era.
The West Bromwich Albion star said he believed that the former Northern Ireland superstar, who passed away in 2005, would eclipse the £89m world-record fee that the Red Devils paid to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford in the summer.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are currently the two biggest footballers in the game today, and both would no doubt require in excess of £150m to prise each star away from Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
11 years ago today one of the greatest football players in history sadly passed away. #GeorgeBest
Evans, though, is of the opinion that an ever bigger bid would be required - if one would be accepted at all - to sign Best if he was a present-day player at the very top of his game.
The centre back told Belfast Live: "He would be priceless in today's market and be up there with (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo.
"Modern day football is different to when George played, but things would shift relatively and if George was playing today I think he would be the best player that there is now.
"In terms of a transfer fee that is difficult. You would definitely have to say well over £100m and approaching £200m. I'll go for £200m."
It is 11 years to the day that Best died after a spell in hospital being treated for jaundice.
The winger, who is considered as one of the best footballers of all-time, was renowned for his public battle with alcoholism and, such was the severity that with which he drunk, Best underwent a liver transplant operation in August 2002 after his own liver gave out.
Speaking on the anniversary of his death, Evans was also quizzed on the legacy that the 37-times capped international had left behind, and the 28-year-old admitted that having a star like Best play for such a small nation was a beacon of light in dark times for his national side.
He added: "He always had flamboyance, skills and the tricks and in the footballing world he is always going to be regarded as the best dribbler and the best player to go past people. Some of the things he did for Manchester United and Northern Ireland will never be forgotten.
"When things weren't going well for us at international level we could think about our own George Best being one of the greatest players ever and that can gave us hope as well as great pride."
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