KEY POINTS

  • Manchester United defender Phil Jones is reportedly targeted by over 13 clubs across England
  • Jones is yet to make his English Premier League debut after undergoing surgery in the summer of 2020
  • His contract runs until the summer of 2023, but signing him could be a major boon for the club that takes the chance

Manchester United’s Phil Jones has not appeared for his side in almost two years, but there are reportedly thirteen teams interested in moving for him, featuring Newcastle United and Watford.

In an exclusive report from The Sun, the outlet claims that the oft-injured defensive back had been garnering interest from across the English football scene as these teams believe that Jones still has a lot of football left in him.

Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United player turned manager, is also believed to be keen on a loan of Jones, but there is reason to worry that they can make a move as Derby County’s finances are still up in the air.

The International Business Times could not independently verify these claims.

As Jones revealed on the UTD Podcast, the Englishman had been dealing with a long-term knee injury and decided to have surgery to get it fixed in the summer of 2020.

He has not made an appearance for Manchester United this season, aside from a few friendlies as he works his way back to being matchday ready for the Red Devils.

The injuries sustained by Raphael Varane and Victor Lindeloff are believed to be the door that will allow Jones to work his way back into the consciousness of Manchester United fans.

Jones became a meme for much of his decade-long stint with Manchester United, but there is a quality player in there that Sir Alex Ferguson once believed had the potential to be one of the best-ever players at Old Trafford.

The interest in Jones is warranted enough because of his career achievements, which include the 2012-13 English Premier League trophy and the FA Cup title in the 2015-16 season.

Jones’ contract runs through 2023, so any prospective buyer would need to throw in some cash as a transfer fee.

With Memes aside, Jones is an experienced player who tries his hardest while on the field, and signing him away from the Red Devils could be one of the smartest moves for any club that wants to take a risk on the 29-year-old.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones
Manchester United defender Phil Jones AFP / Paul ELLIS