Manchester United are reportedly struggling to generate any interest in Phil Jones, despite their efforts to offload him ahead of the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane.
The 29-year-old has not played for United in 18 months after falling out of favour before picking up a long-term knee injury, with other centre-backs enjoying game time in Solskjaer’s side in that time.
Jones still has two years remaining on his contract at the club, but he will fall down the pecking order even further when Varane arrives.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Jones is unable to attract a transfer fee due to the injury that has ruled him out for more than a year, even though his contract will expire in June 2023.
The defender signed a four-year contract mid-way through the 2018-19 campaign, just a couple of months after Solskjaer was appointed as United manager after Jose Mourinho’s sacking.
The deal means the player earns £4m-a-year but he has not played any game since the 6-0 FA Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers at the start of 2020.
But, Jones was seen travelling with the Red devils squad as part of their pre-season tour to Scotland last week, but will face an uphill task to force his way into Solskjaer’s plans.
- Chelsea given huge hope over Romelu Lukaku transfer as Inter Milan set asking price
- Man Utd handed Raphael Varane setback due to two complications
- Tuchel opens up on Kurt Zouma’s Chelsea future after Jules Kounde transfer bid
Jones first fell out of favour under Solskjaer as Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire became first-choice centre-halves, while Eric Bailly and Tuanzebe are the back-up options.
That competition means Jones is likely to seek a move away from the club this summer, with reports linking West Ham with a move for the player on a free transfer.
The move would see him reunite with Hammers manager David Moyes, who worked with the player during his previous spell as United boss.
