Exclusive – Manchester United are ready to let Phil Jones leave a free transfer to facilitate a move for him this summer.
The 29-year-old is one of a number of squad players allowed to leave Old Trafford, but he is a player United are particularly keen to find a new club for.
90min understands that one reason United want Jones to move on is that they want to bring in at least one new central defender, if not two – with Raphael Varane closing on a move to Old Trafford.
Jones has not played a Premier League game for United since January 2020 and is effectively surpassing the requirements. However, he still has two years left on a contract worth more than £ 100,000 a week – which has proved to be a real sticking point when the Red Devils have tried to move him out on loan for the past 12 months.
A number of clubs are keen on Jones, but they are doubtful he will take one of just two loan places. Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is a confirmed fan of Jones and is one of those who are convinced that the 27-cap Englishman still has a lot to offer at the top level.
But the Magpies are set to use a loan gap on Arsenal’s Joe Willock, and Bruce would prefer to use his second loan option elsewhere – perhaps on Brandon Williams or Axel Tuanzebe, who are both teammates of Jones at United and are players like Newcastle.
If Jones could agree to a free transfer, it would be preferable for Newcastle and others interested – although United may still need to fund part of their salaries for a move to be implemented.
Away from Tyneside, Everton, West Ham and Southampton, everyone is keeping an eye on Jones’ situation – as well as Brighton, Crystal Palace and Burnley.
