Having completed his medical early last week, Manchester United have today announced the signing of Blackburn’s Phil Jones.
A statement on the club’s official website stated:
“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has signed an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of Phil Jones.
“The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a 5-year contract. The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty.”
But questions will be asked about the fee as it was thought United had offered the £16.5m required to activate the release clause in Jones’ contract but later Blackburn are said to have objected and attempted to get upwards of £20m for the 19 year old.
Jones, who can operate in the heart of defence or as a defensive midfielder, rejected offers from Arsenal and Liverpool to sign for United. Then amidst the confusion over the fee between United and Blackburn Liverpool again tried to tempt Jones but were rebuffed for a second time.
The move marks United’s first signing of the summer and with the likes of David De Gea and Ashley Young also said to be on the way next season could see a revamped United team attempt to retain the Premier League title.
Many are called but few are chosen.