Phil Jones is reportedly on the verge of signing a new long-term contract with Manchester United, thus potentially ending the club’s search for a new central defender.
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Mail Sport have revealed the England international is set to put pen-to-paper on a new deal worth £80k-a-week.
Jones has been at Old Trafford since 2011 when he joined in a £16million deal from Blackburn Rovers and was tipped by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson to become a United legend after winning the league title in 2013 [via SkySports].
However, it has not been smooth sailing for Jones since those comments as he has failed to nail down a regular spot in his favoured position at the heart of the defence in recent seasons.
His versatility has meant he’s been required to fill in at right-back and in central midfield at times, while United legend Paul Scholes questioned whether Jones has the intelligence to play as a centre-back [via Mirror Sport].
It would appear Louis van Gaal does have faith in Jones and offering him a new deal is further evidence of this but it doesn’t appear it will guarantee him a place in the starting XI next season.
The Dutchman is reportedly keen on bringing in at least one more central defender this summer and a host of names have been linked to the club including Real Madrid vice-captain Sergio Ramos.
BBC Sport claimed on Monday that the Red Devils hold a genuine interest in the Spain international and a player of his quality and experience is sure to command a spot in the team if he were to join.