West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester United’s injury-stricken defender Phil Jones. The Englishman hasn’t played for the Red Devils in one-and-a-half years, with his last match coming way back in December 2019.
As per Eurosport, West Ham United manager David Moyes, who managed Jones when he was in charge of Manchester United, would be interested in signing the English defender if he is available on a free transfer. The Hammers could offer Jones a contract that is below his current wage, but would have add-ons in his deal.
Newcastle United are also reportedly interested in the 29-year-old. Jones has made 224 appearances for United in a 10-year period with them.
Phil Jones: A good move by the club?
Phil Jones’ Manchester United career hasn’t gone the expected way as he was touted to be a future Red Devils legend when he came onto the scene. Injuries at crucial junctures along with a chronic lack of consistency have hampered his career no end. Jones has fallen out of favour at Manchester United and he will fall further down the pecking order following the arrival of Raphael Varane.
Signing Phil Jones could be a gamble worth taking for West Ham, especially if he agrees to reduced wages at the Hammers. The London club will need a strong and deep squad ahead of the 2021-22 season as they will not just compete for domestic honours, but also play in the Europa League.
The English defender is a player who likes to nip in and make interceptions and is an aggressive defender. He also likes to make strong tackles and not give a lot of space for opposition attackers to operate in. Jones is primarily a central defender, but he has been used at right-back and a few times as a defensive midfielder as well.
Jones could turn his career around at West Ham United away from Manchester United as he will have less pressure at the London Stadium. He could be a useful player in the West Ham backline, which currently comprises of Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson. The exit of Fabian Balbuena at the end of last season opens up one more slot in the squad for a central defender.
Phil Jones could very well take up that role and be a useful option for David Moyes. The Englishman has vast experience, is a decent defender on his day, and will likely be available on a free transfer. This seems like a good fit for both clubs and the player as well who might just be in need for a confidence boost and Moyes willing to gamble on him could be what is needed for the Englishman to get back on track.