Manchester United are poised to complete the ã16 million signing of Blackburn defender Phil Jones.
Jones, 19, held talks with manager Steve Kean at Blackburnââ¬â¢s Brockhall training ground on Monday morning, during which he admitted his determination to consider opportunities to play for a bigger club.
And it is understood United have moved quickly to sign the England Under-21 international amid firm interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. Jones is currently undergoing a medical test at Old Trafford before completing his move.
Unitedââ¬â¢s interest dates back more than 12 months and Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to senior figures at Ewood Park that he was hugely impressed by Jones during the 0-0 draw between the two clubs in April 2010.
Ferguson has been keen to identify a central defender to become a long-term partner for Chris Smalling at Old Trafford due to underlying concerns over Rio Ferdinandââ¬â¢s ability to avoid further injury.
While both Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were prepared to wait a further 12 months before making a move for Jones, Liverpoolââ¬â¢s firm interest this summer has apparently forced United to move now in order to avoid missing out on the player.
Rest of article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ol-miss-out-on-Blackburn-Rovers-defender.html
Jones, 19, held talks with manager Steve Kean at Blackburnââ¬â¢s Brockhall training ground on Monday morning, during which he admitted his determination to consider opportunities to play for a bigger club.
And it is understood United have moved quickly to sign the England Under-21 international amid firm interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. Jones is currently undergoing a medical test at Old Trafford before completing his move.
Unitedââ¬â¢s interest dates back more than 12 months and Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to senior figures at Ewood Park that he was hugely impressed by Jones during the 0-0 draw between the two clubs in April 2010.
Ferguson has been keen to identify a central defender to become a long-term partner for Chris Smalling at Old Trafford due to underlying concerns over Rio Ferdinandââ¬â¢s ability to avoid further injury.
While both Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were prepared to wait a further 12 months before making a move for Jones, Liverpoolââ¬â¢s firm interest this summer has apparently forced United to move now in order to avoid missing out on the player.
Rest of article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ol-miss-out-on-Blackburn-Rovers-defender.html
