• Premier League

Rovers up demands as Jones deal hits snag

Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
June 9, 2011
Phil Jones may have to wait to complete Old Trafford switch © PA Photos
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Phil Jones' move to Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers has been put on hold by a dispute about the player's valuation - and ESPNsoccernet can reveal a growing row between the two Premier League clubs.

ESPNsoccernet has learned that Blackburn value Jones far in excess of the £16 million offered by Manchester United to trigger what the champions believe is a release clause.

A Rovers insider told ESPNsoccernet that the player is "the nearest thing to a Tony Adams or John Terry" and that, in the view of Rovers, and their advisers put him in the £25 million category.

Unusually, the player has already passed his medical and agreed personal terms with United, which normally means the clubs have agreed the fee but ESPNsoccernet has discovered that a clause in Jones' contract only triggers the player's ability to discuss a potential move with a club who offers £16 million rather than fully complete the deal.

Rovers' hierachy's stance is that the deal is by no means done and they will hold out for more cash.

So Jones has been able to agree terms with Manchester United and go through the medical - even though the two clubs have failed to reach agreement.

With Jones already believed to have turned down other moves to Liverpool and Arsenal, the move still looks likely to end at Old Trafford but the quibble over the fee may stall it for some time. United are yet to comment officially about the deal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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