United defender deal 'agreed months in advance'

Phil Jones had agreed to join Manchester United a number of months before a deal between the Barclays Premier League champions and Blackburn was officially announced, it has been claimed.

The young defender joined United in mid-June for a fee reported to be in the region of £16.5 million, following an impressive first full season at Ewood Park.

But, although Jones is said to have been in contact with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool regarding potential moves, it is alleged the 19-year-old always knew he would switch to Old Trafford.




 

"Phil Jones put out on Twitter that he had agreed to go to Manchester United in March, and quickly took it off, because he was talking to Arsenal as well as Liverpool and Chelsea,'' a source close to the deal told ESPNsoccernet.

"The clear inference is that Phil Jones knew where he was going and made up his mind where he was going no matter what Blackburn wanted to do and how much they were trying to get more money for him.''

Jones has made seven appearances for United since joining the club, and was rewarded for his early season form with a call-up to the England senior squad.