Shields Gazette reporter Liam Kennedy has urged Newcastle United not to follow up interest in Manchester United defender Phil Jones.
Magpies boss Steve Bruce is eager to add defensive reinforcements to his squad after seeing centre-half Florian Lejeune return to La Liga outfit Alaves on a permanent basis following a successful season-long loan where he made 36 appearances.
Manchester United are reportedly willing to let Jones leave Old Trafford on a free transfer before the transfer window closes and Newcastle, along with Everton, West Ham United, Southampton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Burnley are all interested.
Should Newcastle make a move for Phil Jones?
Yes
No
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows he will struggle to find a club willing to part with a significant sum to sign Jones, whose last competitive appearance came in the 6-0 FA Cup win over Tranmere Rovers in January 2020.
Jones, who has won 27 England caps, missed the entirety of last season and Kennedy insists Newcastle should not make a move.
He told TIF: “Phil Jones will always have his doubters because of the type of player he is. I think he is decent, but is he what Newcastle United need as a defender? Probably not.
“What they need to look for is some pace and athleticism. Although Phil Jones is a decent defender, I don’t think he ticks all of the boxes that will be required of a player Newcastle want to bring in.”