Transfer Rumours - Manchester United could lose Jones to Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea also interested

Sir Alex Ferguson's holiday could be ruined after news emerged that Liverpool have, reportedly, offered a £22m fee for the highly-rated Blackburn defender Phil Jones.

A report in The Daily Mail said that, though United met the £16.5m clause in Jones contract, it appeared that there was a misinterpretation of the clause. The club who meets the clause is allowed to talk to the player and unlike many had thought, the clause is irrespective of his transfer fee. Blackburn, after taking legal advice, has insisted that the clause doesn't force them to sell the player to the first club who meets it.

The report went on to say that Liverpool offered £22m, a bid significantly higher than United, for the player - a move which could see them snatch Jones from under United's noses.

A cluster of other English clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, are all seriously considering the player and it is likely that Manchester United are feeling a bit queasy.

Blackburn's Indian owners, the Desai family, is believed to be unimpressed by United's attitude towards rushing the player's deal and the report quoted a source as saying, United can't do what they want in this case. Jones is a Blackburn player and while there is a clause that could mean he leaves, it's far from the straightforward issue everyone assumes it to be.

It could be a huge blow for United if they fail to sign the player, which seems likely despite the player being keen on going to Old Trafford.