Phillips believes Jones should leave Manchester United this summer

 

Former Premier League star Kevin Phillips believes Phil Jones should pursue a fresh challenge away from Manchester United this summer after falling down the pecking order. The England international has hardly played for the club over the course of the season and he is currently the fourth-choice centre-back behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

Speaking on Football Insider, Phillips said that Jones has been a good servant for the club but the time has come to part ways. He added that a move to Newcastle United could suit him with a regular run of starts in the top-flight, he told: “Definitely. His time at United is up but he has been a good servant for the club. A move to the north-east could be great. A move for the lad will be good for him.

“If he can stay in the Premier League – brilliant.He is a wholehearted centre-half and is the sort of player Steve Bruce is looking for, he knows his capabilities and his limitations but when you talk about defending he is 100% committed all of the time. That could be a good one for Newcastle. At Newcastle, playing week in week out, you will see the best of Phil Jones.”

Jones was once compared with legendary United star Duncan Edwards for the versatility on the playing field but he has never quite realised the potential with the frequency of injuries. Of course, he has managed to improve on his fitness standards as he has progressed through his career but he is now out-of-favour for the Premier League.

Magpies boss Steve Bruce is understood to be keen on pursuing a new centre-back with vast Premier League and European experience and Jones has been earmarked as the prime target. The defender is likely to cost around £12m despite the fact that he has made just two league appearances this season.