Should Sunderland swoop for Manchester United’s Phil Jones?

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The Manchester United defender has been linked with a loan move to Stoke City.

Manchester United’s Phil Jones in action

Manchester United defender Phil Jones could be on the verge of a temporary departure from Old Trafford amid loan interest from Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, as written by the Manchester Evening News, but he should also be considering a switch to the Stadium of Light.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender has struggled to get game time over the past few seasons, falling behind the likes of Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and even Marcos Rojo, not necessarily because of form, but due to his dreadful injury record.

Since the beginning of the 2012-13 campaign, Jones has been out with 13 separate injury layoffs, and he only featured 13 times in a Manchester United shirt last season.

Manchester United’s Phil Jones has suffered many injuries over the past few seasons

Now fighting fit, he has become an almost forgotten figure at United without, it seems, the opportunity to snatch back the limelight.

It comes as no surprise that loan interest has emerged in the England international, and for all parties, a temporary move could be a good thing.

And for David Moyes, Jones should be a player at the top of his list should he become available.

Sunderland’s John O’Shea receives medical attention

The former Manchester United boss will be well aware of Jones’ finest attributes from his time at Old Trafford, his strength, use of the ball, and most importantly for a club like Sunderland at present, his versatility.

The Black Cats are decimated at centre-half. This was epitomised by the image of a crocked John O’Shea limping off the field against Boro on Sunday with a suspected groin injury, leading to midfielder Jack Rodwell stepping into that unfamiliar role.

Sunderland manager David Moyes should make a move for Jones

With the unexpected departure of Younes Kaboul to Watford and Lamine Kone all but gone from the club, Sunderland are thin on the ground at the back, with current options not extending beyond youngster Paddy McNair and Papy Djilobodji.

And with Moyes also thought to be in the market for a right-back to add competition for Donald Love, the versatile Jones could be ideal solution.