According to Eurosport, West Ham United, Leicester City and Newcastle United are considering a January move for reported Derby County target Phil Jones.
The Manchester United defender is out of favour at Old Trafford.
Jones, 28, hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since earlier this calendar year and the latest reports claim United are ready to let him go in the January transfer window.
According to the Daily Star last month, Derby emerged as a surprise contender.
The Rams, now under the guidance of sole interim manager Wayne Rooney, are on the verge of a takeover which could provide fresh funds in time for January.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Rooney is a former teammate of Jones at Old Trafford. While a permanent move seems unlikely, Rooney could try and entice Jones to Pride Park on a loan deal.
The latest from Eurospot, however, claims the Rams would have strong competition.
The editorial says Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is asking about his physical condition as he weighs up a move, while West Ham and Leicester are also potential options.
Jones has struggled at Old Trafford over the past few seasons. But there is no denying he has raw ability, and he arguably just needs a fresh start elsewhere.
Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson tipped Jones to become one of United’s greatest ever players. You certainly don’t get that sort of acclaim if you are a bad player.
Eurosport go on to say that any deal for Jones could be complicated due to his wages. The England international is said to earn around £80,000 per week with the Red Devils.
But West Ham or Leicester may feel he is worth it if he helps achieve a European spot.
Derby, meanwhile, are seemingly set for a fight for Championship survival this season and the Rams simply can’t afford to drop down into the wage-capped League One.
Also see: ‘Best in the Championship’: Some Derby fans rave about Rams ace after Brentford stalemate
Also see: Derby and Stoke face missing out on £2.7m striker as PL club reportedly consider move