Manchester United are reportedly open to offers for defender Phil Jones.
Manchester United’s Phil Jones
Newcastle United clinched the Championship title with a 3-0 win over Barnsley last Sunday, and manager Rafael Benitez will subsequently be looking to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Magpies will need reinforcements in order to re-establish themselves as a Premier League club, and recent rumours have suggested that Benitez wants to bring a new centre back to St. James’ Park.
Benitez does have Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles at his disposal, but Chancel Mbemba endured a disappointing season this term, and Grant Hanley has barely featured since his move from Blackburn Rovers last summer.
As reported by The Telegraph, Newcastle are interested in signing Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross, but the Potters intend to offer him a new contract, meaning Newcastle may have to look elsewhere.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
The Independent report that Manchester United are open to offers for Phil Jones, and he could fit the bill for Newcastle as an alternative target to Shawcross this summer.
Jones, 25, joined United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, and was touted as the next great English centre back, and whilst he has shown flashes of his ability, he has often struggled with injuries.
Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross looks dejected
Jones’ injury problems haven’t been quite so severe this year, but a fresh start could be vital for the centre back, as would regular first-team football – and with Benitez looking for for a strong centre back, Jones could be an option.
Jones has the Premier League experience that Newcastle are looking for, whilst he still has age on his side in comparison to Shawcross, meaning a deal – even if only on loan – could be appealing to the Magpies and manager Benitez.
The England ace is a case of unfulfilled potential, but featuring regularly under Benitez could be what Jones needs, and whilst that fear over his injury history will be at the forefront of any manager’s mind, Newcastle should at least enquire into just how much United would want for Jones this summer.
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