Transfer News: Benfica could eye potential loan move for Manchester United outcast Phil Jones in January
According to Daily Mail Online, Benfica could be interested in a potential loan transfer for Manchester United defender Phil Jones in January. He has not played a single minute for the first team in nearly two years but the potential interest from Portugal could finally hand him a lifeline for kickstarting his career once again.
The Portuguese club are targeting a versatile defender on a loan deal next month, which could open up a pathway for Jones. Man United would prefer a permanent transfer, but it is unlikely that anyone would go down that route considering he has not played for 23 months.
The 29-year-old has a contract with the Red Devils, which will expire only in 2023. He is looking to put himself on the market in search of a suitor who would meet his needs. The Portuguese side could fulfil that should they target him in the winter transfer window.
A helping hand?
The Englishman is close to having zero chances of making a return to the starting lineup at Old Trafford. We have suffered from injuries, poor form and inconsistency in our defence, and he was never close to making it to the squad even during that time. It would be beneficial for the club and the player if a move happens in January.
Getting the centre-back of our wage bill would be a boost in itself. It doesn’t seem like there is any hope for the Englishman when it comes to playing regularly in our starting XI and a permanent transfer would perhaps be the best option. But a loan move is the next best thing.
However, nothing is finalised yet, so we should wait to see how the situation develops in the coming days ahead of the transfer window next month. The England defender would have felt that the Covid outbreak within the camp came at an unfortunate time as he was back in the mix for a spot in the team.
The United centre-back was on the bench for the past few games, which would have given him a boost, but the virus breakout took that away from him. It is unfortunate how things have turned out but for the benefit of both parties, let’s hope that this potential interest will arrive in January.
More Manchester United News
- Real Madrid have joined the race for Manchester United target Jules Kounde
- Manchester United will make Edinson Cavani January transfer decision based on Anthony Martial move
- Newcastle United ace Isaac Hayden out with suspension for weekend clash against Manchester United
With Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Eric Bailly in the lineup, it’s not like we will suffer if he leaves mid-season.
