According to the Daily Star, West Bromwich Albion are rivalling Burnley and Derby County for Manchester United defender Phil Jones on loan in January.
The former Blackburn Rovers defender has been omitted from United’s squad this season.
Many expected Jones to leave Old Trafford in the summer after failing to make an appearance for United since earlier this calendar year, but a deal never materialised.
The Daily Star claimed in the summer how Derby, Middlesbrough and Burnley were keen.
Now, the same editorial adds how West Bromwich Albion have joined the race for his signature as new Baggies boss Sam Allardyce eyes a reunion with Jones.
Speaking in 2011 (Telegraph), former Blackburn boss Allardyce claims Jones has enormous ability.
“He is already growing into what I consider to be a leader. When he gets more experience he will be able to control his team-mates and eventually he will wear the armband for England. It’s a lot to ask of such a young man but he has the all-round outstanding ability to be a very top player.”
Allardyce was appointed West Brom’s new boss after Slaven Bilic’s dismissal.
The Baggies suffered a 3-0 home defeat to west Midlands rivals Aston Villa in Allardyce’s first game in charge. Big Sam has a huge challenge on his hands.
Bolstering the defence is likely to be a top priority for Allardyce in January, and Jones is seemingly available for either a loan or transfer with United inviting January offers.
Derby, meanwhile, may be after a new defender following Curtis Davies’s injury.
The Rams captain suffered an Achilles injury in the recent 0-0 draw at high-flying Brentford and will now unfortunately miss the rest of the Championship campaign.
Derby also have Matt Clarke, Andre Wisdom and Mike te Wierik, but the latter has been linked with a return to Holland which could leave interim boss Wayne Rooney short on options.
Also see: ‘He is in my thoughts’: Manager responds to reports Derby and Forest want PL midfielder
Also see: Report: Club transfer-list £2.3m attacker wanted by Derby and Swansea