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Manchester United centre back Phil Jones could soon be on his way out after failing to find much first team football under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. West Ham United are reportedly interested in offering Jones another chance in the Premier League, but are unwilling to pay a transfer fee or anything near his current wages. Jones’ contract would need to be bought out by Manchester United, allowing him to leave as a free agent before a deal with another club can be put together.
If Phil Jones is made available as a free agent, it is understood West Ham would be willing to make an offer that would be low in terms of a base contract but with enticing add-ons when he makes appearances #mulive [@DeanJonesSoccer]
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 27, 2021
Once a regular starter (whenever he was fit) Jones has struggled to find chances after being part of a disastrous defensive campaign in 2018/19. Injury and disfavor meant Jones made no appearances in any competition in 2020/21, and the understanding seems to be that all parties have been waiting on the time to expire on his contract.
It would be an end to an interesting career at Old Trafford to say the least. Though his reputation indicates disaster as a defender, Jones is worthy of more respect than that. He was for a time a very good defender, unfortunately his health rarely allowed him to showcase his ability. He never quite found consistency for himself or as part of a defensive partnership, and the sky high hopes from his first two seasons at the club were soon dashed as he and the squad floundered under managers post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
Nevertheless, Jones would leave the club as a Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League winner. He may not have become the next Duncan Edwards, but who among us have? He is only human after all.