Phil Jones to stay at Manchester United despite Stoke interest

Phil Jones is content to stay at Manchester United, and José Mourinho has no desire to see him leave, despite Stoke City being the latest club to express an interest.

United have rejected several inquiries this summer for Jones as Mourinho’s position remains that the central defender is a key part of his defence.

It is understood that Arsenal are another club who have been monitoring Jones's position and United's determination that he stay has caused Arsène Wenger to consider West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans.

Jones has not been selected for either of United’s opening two games but he is not concerned as he recognises that the season is just under way.

Jones was a young player coming through at Blackburn Rovers when Stoke's manager, Mark Hughes, and assistant manager, Mark Bowen, were playing at Ewood Park. Bowen admitted Stoke's interest in Jones on Monday, claiming the club could help the 24-year-old get his career back on track.

"I remember Sam Allardyce talking about him when he broke through and said he was the new Duncan Edwards," Bowen told the Stoke Sentinel. "He did well as a youngster, got the big move, but it hasn't worked out for him there.

“I don’t know how close we are or how far down the line it’s gone. He’s played the majority of his career at centre-half, but in his younger days he went into midfield as well.

“I don’t know what’s gone wrong, but he’s gone from even a player Fergie was talking about as being someone who could have been one of the greats. But we have a bit of reputation for bringing players like that into this set up and then thriving. Fingers crossed, something may happen.”

(Guardian service)