Assistant boss Mark Bowen has been discussing the Potters’ interest in the England international.
Manchester United’s Phil Jones in action
Stoke City assistant boss Mark Bowen has confirmed the club’s interest in Manchester United defender Phil Jones, in comments given to the Stoke Sentinel.
The 24-year-old is struggling to make an impact under Jose Mourinho, and may be allowed to leave the Red Devils after failing to fulfil his potential during his five years at the club.
“I remember Sam Allardyce talking about him when he broke through and said he was the new Duncan Edwards,” Bowen is quoted as telling the Sentinel this week. “He did well as a youngster, got the big move, but it hasn’t worked out for him there.
“I don’t know how close we are or how far down the line it’s gone.
Manchester United’s Phil Jones
“He’s played the majority of his career at centre half, but in his younger days he went into midfield as well.
“I don’t know what’s gone wrong, but he’s gone from even a player Fergie was talking about as being someone who could have been one of the greats.
“But we have a bit of reputation for bringing players like that into this set up and then thriving. Fingers crossed, something may happen.”
The Potters have sealed a number of impressive signings in recent seasons, and their pursuit of the England international would be another smart piece of business.
Jones’ committed, dynamic displays saw him feature in a variety of positions in his early days at Manchester United, and there is plenty of belief that the right approach could encourage the defender back onto the path to fulfilling his undoubted potential.
Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in action with Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
Bowen’s comments address the player’s versatility, but if he ends up at the back he will join fellow former Old Trafford players Phil Bardlsey and Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross.
If manager Mark Hughes, himself a Manchester United legend of course, can get it over the line, Stoke will be bringing in a player who is still just 24-years-old and has plenty of Premier League, European and international experience under his belt.
The former Blackburn man struggled with injuries last season, finding himself backup to Chris Smalling and Danny Blind when fit and starting just seven matches. Jones was on the bench for the final three games of the season, including the FA Cup final, but has just one appearance to his name this year and has not been in the match day 18 of any of Jose Mourinho’s squads so far this season.
Manchester United’s Phil Jones and Chelsea’s Kasey Palmer in action
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