Report: Celtic one of eight teams interested in Manchester United defender Phil Jones

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Football website 90Min have claimed that Scottish champions Celtic are rivalling seven Premier League clubs for Manchester United defender Phil Jones – with the player seemingly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

Jones, 28, failed to make Manchester United’s 25-man Premier League squad in the summer and has failed to play in any of the Cups for United this season. Last term, the England international managed just eight appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Now, a January move is expected if Man United’s asking price is met. Newcastle, West Ham, Palace, Leicester, Southampton, Burnley and Sheffield United are all interested – while Celtic are also keen. The Sun claim United want £20million.

Celtic have plenty at centre-back, especially after Shane Duffy joined the club. But Kris Ajer’s future remains in doubt, Hatem Abd Elhamed is more of a right-back and Nir Bitton is naturally a midfielder. Celtic do tend to play with three at the back, too.

TBR’s view – Can Celtic afford to sign Jones?

Despite the defender being completely out of the reckoning, Jones is probably too expensive a purchase for Celtic. If United want £20million for Jones, Celtic are already out of the chase. A loan deal is more likely, but even a loan fee would be pricey.

That is even before his wages – which Spotrac claim is worth £75k-a-week. Whether United get that asking price, or his wages paid in full remains to be seen. But when it comes to a potential move, surely Jones is not worth the outlay.