Pranav Nair
Transfer News: West Ham United keeping tabs on Manchester United outcast Phil Jones
According to Eurosport, West Ham United are keeping tabs on Manchester United outcast Phil Jones in the summer transfer window.
Jones is among the remaining two players leftover from the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Once seen as a shining young talent with limitless potential, injuries have derailed what could have been a special career at the Theatre of Dreams. The 29-year-old has featured 224 times for United over the last decade.
During the same time, he has missed 204 games, a significant amount in any case. Jones has not featured for United in the last 18 months and interested clubs are adopting a wait and watch approach before making their move.
It is perhaps understandable that West Ham are not keen on making a bid for a player burdened with injuries. They are, however, ready to take a punt should he be made available for free. It is in United’s best interests to part ways with the player even if they do not get any transfer fee. As things stand, Jones is taking up valuable wage space while being unable to contribute on the field.
The Hammers are keen to offer the English defender a contract that will be heavily incentivized depending on his availability and performances. This could work out well for all parties should the player put his injury nightmare behind him.
Jones, for his part, is keen to get back to playing regularly and West Ham can offer him just that. The Hammers will, however, face competition from Newcastle United who are also in the fray for the player. It is fair to say that the defender’s time at United is coming to an end.
In David Moyes, Jones will have a manager who has prior experience of working with him. The Scot was able to bring out the best in Jesse Lingard and will hope to repeat the trick with Jones.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Real Madrid pass on the opportunity to sign Manchester United star Paul Pogba
- Manchester United may struggle to get rid of Anthony Martial as the race for Ering Haaland heats up
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not holding his breath on Manchester United making more marquee signings
A move to West Ham could be exactly what Jones needs to rekindle his career. Whether he is ready to take a step back in order to move forward remains to be seen.
