Newcastle United transfer target Phil Jones has reportedly requested to play in Manchester United’s under-23s game on Friday to build ‘match sharpness’, ahead of a potential move in January.
Manchester United’s youngsters host Chelsea’s under-23s on Friday (17 December) in the last Premier League 2 Division One clash before the winter break.
After the clash against the Blues, Neil Wood’s side don’t play again until 10 January 2022.
But, according to the Athletic, Jones is reportedly ‘determined to increase his match sharpness’, in case he is called upon by Ralf Rangnick, or ahead of a potential move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
Manchester United’s new interim manager has reportedly been ‘impressed’ by the former England international’s application in training.
He would have reportedly selected Jones in last week’s Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys if he had been registered in the squad.
Despite being included in Manchester United’s last four Premier League squads, the 29-year-old hasn’t had any game time for two months.
His last appearance came for the club’s under-23 side against his former side Blackburn Rovers in mid-October, where he played 45 minutes.
With Raphael Varane nearing a return to action, the Red Devils’ number four will fall further down the pecking order.
Jones hasn’t made a first team appearance since January 2020 and he may use the upcoming transfer window, as an opportunity to secure a move away from the Theatre of Dreams.
However, with Eric Bailly set to participate in the African Cup of Nations and Varane struggling with injuries since coming to England, Rangnick may choose to keep Jones as cover.
But with Eddie Howe looking to tighten up the Premier League’s leakiest defence, a six-month loan move for Jones, with a view to a permanent deal could be an option which benefits all parties.
The Sun recently reported that Newcastle were one of 13 clubs interested in signing Jones.
United won’t want to be left light at the back, but with talented centre back Teden Mengi possibly going out on loan in the new year, Jones, who has a contract at United until 2023, may have to wait patiently to secure his next move.
But with Newcastle United’s new-found wealth, if PIF and Howe are keen on landing Phil Jones than a deal could be struck in January, which is going to be a crucial month for the Magpies.
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