Celtic, Southampton and Crystal Palace have an interest in Phil Jones with Manchester United willing to let the defender leave on loan during the January transfer window, as reported by 90Min.
As you might expect, given that the injury-hit centre-back has played just two Premier League games since the start of last season, any hopes United had of selling their 28-year-old forgotten man for a fee in the region of £20 million have gone up in smoke (the Sun).
But with Jones potentially available on loan – a short-term ‘try before you buy’ deal, perhaps – it seems there is a lengthy queue forming.
90Min backs up previous reports suggesting Newcastle, Leicester City and West Ham United are interested, while throwing Southampton, Palace, Burnley and bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United into the mix.
The most intriguing option, however, may be a crisis-ridden Celtic side who need a miracle if they are to make their ‘ten in a row’ dream a reality in 2021.
It has been a miserable season for Neil Lennon’s Hoops, with a dreadful defensive record undermining their hopes of retaining the Premiership title ahead of Steven Gerrard’s rampant Rangers side.
Jones would add strength and leadership to Lennon’s backline, while his ability to flit between three and four-man defensive set-ups would come in handy as the Celtic boss jumps from one formation to another.
Summer signing Shane Duffy has shown a few green shoots of recovery of late, however, while Christopher Jullien is back after an injury-ruined start to the season.
Jones, who earns £100,000-a-week at Old Trafford, would surely have to take a pay cut if he wants to move north of the border (Echo).
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