13 clubs are believed to be interested in Manchester United defender Phil Jones, following the Englishman’s recent return to fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Alongside David De Gea, the Red Devils’ forgotten man is now the club’s longest-serving player having joined the club from Blackburn Rovers just over a decade ago, albeit with the last few seasons having seen the centre-back restricted to the treatment table.
The 29-year-old’s last first-team appearance came way back in January 2020 in a 6-0 win over Tranmere in the fourth round of the FA Cup – in which he scored – with a severe knee injury keeping him out of action until his return to training this summer.
Even prior to that lay-off, however, the England international had endured a turbulent time of it due to persistent injuries and a loss form, after previously being tipped for big things by manager Six Alex Ferguson upon his arrival to the club as a teenager.
With the Premier League winner now edging back to full fitness – albeit while still yet to make an appearance – the Sun are reporting that there are 13 clubs believed to be interested in his signature in January.
That interest has predominantly come from the Championship, with former teammate and current Derby County boss Wayne Rooney keen on bringing the player to Pride Park, although Premier League duo Watford and Newcastle are believed to be interested.
Both sides have endured defensive troubles so far this season and are keen on bringing in the United man on loan in the winter window to help them steer clear of relegation, albeit with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly reluctant to let him leave.
The Norwegian is said to have been impressed by the player’s attitude since returning to training and is keen to delay any decision over his future until the New Year, with Jones potentially in line for game time amid the club’s current defensive plight.
Summer signing Raphael Varane is facing another spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while Sweden skipper Victor Lindelof has endured niggling injuries of late, notably missing the trip to Bergamo to face Atalanta on Tuesday night.
With captain Harry Maguire bang out of form and Eric Bailly also enduring his own struggles with injury and inconsistency, a surprise return to the first-team could be in store for Jones, who still has just under two years remaining on his existing deal.
