Jones has finally tied down a move from Ewood Park to Old Trafford
Manchester United have sealed a five-year contract for Blackburn defender Phil Jones in a deal believed to be worth up to £17m.
The England Under-21 centre-half had a medical with the Premier League champions on 8 June before a late hitch delayed the completion of the move.
Despite offers from Arsenal and Liverpool, the 19-year-old insisted he only wanted a move to Old Trafford.
A United statement said the club were “delighted” to conclude the transfer.
“The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract,” the statement added.
“The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty.”
Jones only made his Premier League debut in March last year but has made a big impact in his first full season and featured for the England U21s in the 1-1 draw with their Spanish counterparts on Sunday.
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The teenager will face a battle to immediately break into United’s first team with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic the clear first choice for the centre-half spots.
Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are also competing for places at the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence.
A string of fine performances by Jones helped Blackburn end their season with a four-game unbeaten run, which included a 1-1 draw with United and wins over Bolton and Wolves, to guide them to Premier League survival.
Preston-born Jones joined Blackburn’s youth set-up in 2002, making his debut in a Carling Cup win at Nottingham Forest in September 2009. His first Premier League appearance came six months later in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Ewood Park.
United striker Wayne Rooney said last week on his Twitter: “Phil Jones is a good young English player. One of the toughest defenders I played against last season. Can play midfield too.”
Link:
Man Utd sign Jones from Blackburn