Blackburn begin battle to block Phil Jones £16.5m switch to Manchester United
By Chris Wheeler
Last updated at 11:04 PM on 10th June 2011
Phil Jones' £16.5million move to Manchester United has been delayed amid concerns Blackburn are demanding a higher price.
United are certain they have the transfer tied up after triggering the release clause in Jones’s contract and agreeing personal terms with the player on a five-year deal worth £40,000 a week.
But the Premier League champions are growing irritated that Blackburn owners Venky’s may be trying to drive up the transfer fee or revive a bidding war.
Ewood Park officials were insisting last night that Jones remains their player and no deal has been done. It seems Venky’s believe the clause allows clubs to talk to the 19-year-old if they offer in excess of £16m, but does not force Blackburn to accept the bid.
But United maintain it means Jones can speak to any club he wants once the offer is made, and Blackburn are powerless to stop him from joining them.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all met the asking price and spoke with Jones or his representatives, but the player chose United before passing a medical and agreeing personal terms on Wednesday.
United expect the deal to be completed when he returns from the European Under 21 Championship in Denmark. Questions are now being asked between Venky’s and their advisers over how a player they value at nearer £25m could be allowed to leave for such a relatively low figure.
Former Blackburn striker and media pundit Kevin Gallacher said: ‘I think he’s underpriced to be honest. My own view is that Blackburn would have been looking for £20m minimum for Phil. But there was a clause that enabled him to go for less and United have got a very good deal.’
Jones will be one of a number of arrivals at Old Trafford this summer as Sir Alex Ferguson carries out the biggest overhaul of his squad since 1995.
Aston Villa winger Ashley Young will complete his £20m move once he returns from holiday, a deal for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea will be tied up after the European Under 21 Championship, and Ferguson hopes to snatch Samir Nasri from rivals Arsenal.
United, who are set to beat the Gunners to the signing of 18-year-old Lens centre back Raphael Varane, will also continue their pursuit of Wesley Sneijder even though the Holland midfielder insisted yesterday that he is happy at Inter Milan.
Sneijder, who has four years left on his contract, said: ‘There is a family atmosphere at Inter. Milan is marvellous, picturesque and full of elegance - I love it. At the moment I’m very happy here and I don’t see why I should leave.’
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