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Rovers investigate United's knowledge of Jones clause

Phil Jones is on duty with the England Under-21s © Getty Images

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Blackburn Rovers are conducting an internal investigation into how Manchester United became aware of Phil Jones' £16 million so-called 'get-out clause' to leave the club.

ESPNsoccernet have been told by Rovers sources of a belief that Manchester United must have had sight of the contract, or been told of the details within it, to be so specific about the terms of Jones' agreement.

Rovers' advisers believe the clause is open to interpretation and the club's Indian owners do not wish to sell the player, and will not sell at the price being offered. Venky's accept that Jones was entitled to inform the club that he wished to talk to Manchester United, or any club, who are prepared to evoke the clause, but Blackburn's lawyers dispute that the clause means that legally the club are obliged to sell their player for the set price.

Blackburn are contesting whether the clause that triggers the ability for Jones to talk to a club also means that they must accept the fee, or that they are entitled to ask for more money if other clubs enter the bidding. Rovers want closer to £25 million for Jones and if United don't offer more, will refuse to sell.

As Jones has rejected overtures from Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs, Blackburn know they will struggle to provoke an auction as rival bidders believe they are wasting their time on a player whose heart is set on a move to Old Trafford.

That has left United and Rovers in a stand-off, which insiders inform ESPNsoccernet could be resolved on Monday with some kind of compromise offer from the Red Devils.

If United continue to refuse to up their price then the issue might even result in Blackburn asking the Premier League how private and confidential contractual details were obtained by the league champions. ESPNsoccernet believes that if United increased their offer to £20 million with some bolt-on additions then Blackburn will relinquish their legal arguments and avoid a Premier League complaint.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.