As per Todofichajes, Phil Jones is close to leaving Manchester United in January. Inter Milan are interested in bringing him in on loan and Jones has agreed to join Inter. United are looking to include a must-purchase option to make money off the transfer, and a potential road-block could be who pays most of the player’s wages.
Inter have previously bought many players from United namely Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, Matteo Darmian and Alexis Sanchez. The relationship between the two clubs is rosy and a deal could take place. The report also says that United wants to make money out of this deal – therefore, they will include a mandatory buy option in the loan deal.
Signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, Jones has won many trophies at United but has lost his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future plans. He’s barely played this season and is exploring a future away from Old Trafford.
His contract expires in 2023 but United are correct to find suitable buyers for the English international. Its a win-win deal for both United and Jones.
Jones will get an opportunity to rejuvenate his career and could follow Chris Smalling’s path to revival. He’s not in United’s Premier League and Champions League squads. It’s a big blow for him. Every footballer wants to play games and Jones too.
United, on the other hand, would be relieved of his wages and could make a small fee on his transfer. It will also free up squad space for academy graduates and give them an opportunity to sign a new center-back.
United are currently linked with Dayot Upamecano who has a €45m release clause that could be activated next summer.
United are correct to want to make the most out of the deal, but getting Jones off the books will help them improve their defence, and it’s a chance they cannot miss.
