West Bromwich Albion are ready to lend a helping hand to Phil Jones who has not yet settled at the Old Trafford. The Manchester United defender who was signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 arrived at the club under much optimism but injuries have hampered his career growth since.
In the last season, Phil Jones probably had his best moments in a United jersey when he alongside Marcos Rojo guided United in the midst of a very difficult campaign.
Both Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling were injured and Mourinho had no choice but to deploy the pair in the centre of the defence and Jones repaid the faith of his boss by producing a glittering display in the United defence. He was strong in the air, very composed on the ball and had made some really good interceptions.
His performances in the United defence has seen him strongly linked with some of the clubs including West Bromwich Albion. The Hawthorns has become a second home for the Manchester United stars for the last couple of years. Players like Darren Fletcher and Johny Evans had earlier switched their allegiance to the Baggies and Pulis now wants to add more numbers to the United contingent by roping in Jones.
Mourinho was impressed with Jones after the defender’s performance which convinced the gaffer to delay the arrival of Victor Lindelof who was supposed to join during the winter transfer window.
He has two years to run on his contract and wants to be on the scene next season. Mourinho already has Eric Bailly who is likely to be the partner of new arrival Victor Lindelof.
The ex-Chelsea manager has lots of options to ponder over so he might think of trimming the squad a bit to make room for some other players. If a choice is to be made, Chris Smalling might get the sack as the player was at the centre of criticism by Mourinho.
Jones is one of the defenders who are in the probable list of Gareth Southgate’s plans. He has been told by the Three Lions gaffer he needs to have regular game time to book a place on the flight to Russia.
But Jones wants to fight for his chances in the next season. United will be competing on four fronts so the Portuguese gaffer would be needing a big squad to cope.
Jones’ versatility also gives the 54-year old a whole lot of options so Pulis needs to convince the men who matter before making a move.
