Reported Newcastle target Phil Jones has asked to play for Manchester United’s U-23 side in the final game of 2021 against Chelsea.
According to the Athletic, the 29-year-old defender, who last played senior football well over 23 months ago in January 2020, is determined to increase his match sharpness in case he is called upon by interim United manager Ralf Rangnick or ahead of a move away in the winter window.
As reported by the Sun, Newcastle are one of a handful of clubs keen on signing Jones in January. The defender has faced numerous injury problems that have kept the centre-back out of the first-team picture at United, with the arrival of Raphael Varane also pushing the former Blackburn Rovers star further down the pecking order.
As per the Athletic, though, Rangnick has been impressed by Jones’s determination and drive in training, with the United open to playing the former England international in the club’s final UEFA Champions League group stage match had the defender been registered to play.
Indeed, with no appearances for the club in almost two years, Jones looks set to leave the club in January. And Newcastle could be a likely destination for the United centre-back given Eddie Howe’s defensive issues.
The Toon once again were on the receiving end of a loss as Newcastle were smashed 4-0 by Leicester City, bringing back fears that the club could well be relegated in 2022 unless much-needed quality is brought into the side in January.
Jones determination to play could be what Newcastle need
A lack of motivation and willingness to play for the badge has been something that has infuriated Newcastle supporters for years. Yet whilst Jones might not be every fans pick for a defensive signing, his determination to play is exactly what the club need at a time like this.
Indeed, the 29-year-old’s openness to play for United’s U-23 side shows that he is a player who is keen to return to the pitch. And with Newcastle, Jones could be the exact kind of profile Howe’s side need heading into the second half of the Premier League season.
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