Newcastle United have been continuing to make checks over the potential availability of Manchester United defender Phil Jones ahead of the January transfer window and the Red Devils are open to allowing him to leave.
Steve Bruce is reportedly keen to add another defender to his squad in the January transfer window and they have already been linked with a potential loan move for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori. The Magpies had been interested in making a potential move for Jones from Manchester United in the summer, but it never materialised.
The one-time England regular, who has won 27 caps for his country, is now well down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The defender has endured many injury issues over the years and, along with some questionable form, that saw him limited to just two Premier League appearances last season (Sofascore). That means United are open to negotiating an exit for him.
It has now been reported that Bruce has been using his contacts at Old Trafford, including first team coach Michael Carrick, to understand more about Jones’ current situation ahead of a potential move for him in January, per Eurosport. They are also set to face potential rival interest from both West Ham and Leicester City.
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Jones is seemingly coming to an end of his time at Old Trafford and the defender desperately needs a fresh start to rescue his faltering career. The 28-year-old has the ability and potential to become a consistent Premier League performer again but his injury record and penchant for errors have damaged his reputation.
Bruce plays the sort of pragmatic defensive system which could potentially enable Newcastle to get the best out of him, with him not being exposed to pace in behind due to the Magpies sitting deep. However, there may be concerns over whether he can stay fully fit and also whether the club could match his wage demands.
The fact that United are willing to negotiate a potential cut-price fee for him would make that easier, but it would still be a gamble for the Magpies to take. Some fans would rather they keep Florian Lejeune at the club beyond next season, but if he leaves, then Jones could be a decent replacement for him.
