West Brom linked defender faces showdown talks over future – report
Phil Jones faces showdown talks with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this week with the West Brom linked defender surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, according to The Sun.
The defender hasn’t played a minute of first-team football this season after being excluded from the Red Devils’ Premier League squad.
An earlier report from The Daily Star claimed that Jones would be allowed to leave in January with Man United happy to cover a substantial portion of the 28-year-old’s wages.
The Sun now report that Solskjaer is looking to offload six first-team players this January with Jones being one of the unlucky few who United are choosing to cut loose.
Jones faces talks with Solskjaer this week as his future at Man United remains in the balance but it certainly seems as if Jones will be moving on in January.
With Jones looking almost certain to leave Old Trafford this month and United happy to cover most of the defender’s wages, a move for one of Allardyce’s former players could be ideal for the Baggies.
Jones and Baggies boss Sam Allardyce were at Blackburn together and with Allardyce looking to strengthen his defence, he could do a lot worse than Jones.
Jones may be far from match fit but if Albion can get him through the door for a relatively small outlay of cash then it could be an excellent piece of business.
The Baggies would spend very little of the minimal funds they have available and secure the services of a seasoned Premier League defender as they look to avoid the drop.
Jones has 200 Premier League appearances to his name and it is doubtful that Albion will be able to attract any other players as experienced or as cheap as Jones.
The defence needs improving as soon as possible and Jones presents a realistic and affordable option for Albion as they attempt to breathe life into their Premier League season.
He may not be the name that Baggies fans want to see arrive in January but considering the position the club finds itself in, it is doubtful that they can do better.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are still keen on signing this Premier League defender despite reported financial issues.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.