Celtic reportedly eyeing Manchester United star that Souness hammered in 2019

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Celtic are reportedly battling seven Premier League clubs for Manchester United defender Phil Jones with the England international yet to make a single outing this season – but Graeme Souness’ comments from 2019 are hardly encouraging.

Jones, 28, was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the summer – and has failed to get any game time in the cup competitions or in Europe. He is way down the pecking order and completely surplus to requirements.

Indeed, Axel Tuanzebe, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are preferred to Jones – with Marcos Rojo also on the sidelines while Chris Smalling has joined Roma permanently. 90Min state that eight teams are interested in Jones.

Celtic are one of those, along with seven Premier League clubs – Newcastle, West Ham, Sheffield United, Southampton, Burnley, Leicester and Palace. Souness was damning in his verdict of Jones after a 3-3 draw with Sheffield United in November 2019.

“He’s just done everything wrong. He’s in the wrong position,” Souness said as per the Mail – after his mistake for Lys Mousset’s goal. “Jones isn’t a cute player. He’s not 20 years old. He’s not got the greatest touch. At worst give away a throw in.”

TBR’s view – Surely Celtic can get better value for money?

The Sun claim United want £20million for Jones, while the ex-Blackburn defender is said to be earning £75,000 a week (Spotrac) at Old Trafford. A permanent deal is out of the question, while a loan fee might prove too expensive.

Celtic should only consider a move for Jones if they can get the Manchester United man on loan for a small-ish loan fee and with United paying the majority of his wages. Otherwise, the Hoops need to look elsewhere to bolster their defender.