MANCHESTER United have agreed to the capture of Blackburn defender Phil Jones on a five-year contract in a transfer worth an estimated £16.5 million.
United thought they had secured Jones’ services last week, only for the transfer to be halted due to an unforeseen snag and it was claimed Blackburn were holding out for more cash and that Liverpool had jumped in with a £20 million offer.
However, Jones, who featured for England Under-21s in their opening European Championship match against Spain in Denmark, apparently told Rovers he did not wish to join any club other than United.
And with the Red Devils refusing to budge beyond the figure – believed to be £16.5 million – that triggered a buyout clause in the 19-year-old’s contract, Blackburn have been forced to agree a sale.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has signed an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of Phil Jones,” said a United statement. “The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract. The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty.”