Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United confirm Phil Jones deal
ShareManchester United have confirmed the capture of Blackburn defender Phil Jones on a five-year deal. [LNB]United thought they had secured Jones' services last week, only for the transfer to be halted due to an unforeseen snag. [LNB] It was claimed Blackburn were holding out for more cash and that Liverpool had jumped in with a ?22million offer. Arsenal and Chelsea were also monitoring the situation.[LNB] National service: Phil Jones (No 6) was on England Under 21 duty against Spain on Sunday[LNB]However, Jones, who featured for England Under 21s in their opening European Championship match against Spain in Denmark on Sunday night, apparently told Rovers he did not wish to join any other club than United. [LNB]And with the Red Devils refusing to budge beyond the figure - believed to be ?16.5million - that triggered a buyout clause in the 19-year-old's contract, Blackburn have been forced to agree a sale. [LNB]'Manchester United is delighted to announce it has signed an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of Phil Jones,' said a United statement.[LNB]'The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract. [LNB] Solid: Jones holds off Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas earlier in the season[LNB]'The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty.' [LNB]A statement on the Blackburn website, on behalf of Rovers' owners, directors and manager, read: 'Much as we would love him to stay on with us - and we made all efforts to convince him to stay - Phil has to finally follow his heart.'[LNB] Disappointed: Blackburn boss Steve Kean[LNB]Ewood Park boss Steve Kean said: 'The offer we made he was staggering for a 19-year-old, but it wasn't themoney. Phil wants to play Champions Leaguefootball now and we're not at that level.[LNB]'I'm sure we will be in the coming years, and we gave it a real good tryand made him a fantastic offer, but I understand why he wants to go now. He goes with our blessing and it's an opportunity for us to invest in other young players across other areas of the pitch.[LNB]'We were hoping he was going to be captain of our club and captain of England, he's a fantastic prospect and I'm sure he'll be an England regular very soon.'[LNB]It takes to four the number of United players who started the Under 21 game, emphasising the importance Sir Alex Ferguson is placing on youth as he rebuilds his squad in the wake of last month's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. [LNB]In addition, the Old Trafford chief is hoping to complete the signing of Spain goalkeeper David de Gea, who produced an excellent performance in Herning on the opposite side to Jones. [LNB]However, it is also anticipated Ferguson will land Aston Villa's Ashley Young once the Midlands outfit have sorted out their managerial vacancy, and a replacement is anticipated for Paul Scholes, who confirmed his retirement last month. [LNB] Jones price is right as United win cash battle to sign Blackburn defenderBlackburn begin battle to block Phil Jones ?16.5m switch to Manchester UnitedTime for Stuart Pearce and the young Lions to prove England's got talentYou're Gunner regret it! Wenger warns Nasri he's better off staying with ArsenalAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinionAll the latest Blackburn news, features and opinion[LNB]"[LNB] Explore more:People: Paul Scholes, Alex Ferguson, Ashley Young Places: Liverpool, Manchester, Barcelona, Spain, Denmark, United Kingdom
