Why on earth is Newcastle United interested in this Manchester United outcast?

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in securing the services of Manchester United defender signed by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Newcastle United will not return to Premier League action until April 4th, but the club’s scouting department has not taken a break as they continue to look at players across England and Europe. Fans are hoping that Steve Nickson and his scouting staff have a long list of quality strikers ready for Steve Bruce and Lee Charnley to assess and pursue, but at the moment Newcastle United have been linked with another defender.

According to a new report out of Tyneside, Manchester United are willing to sell defender Phil Jones to Newcastle United for £12m. Sir Alex Ferguson signed the England international when he was 19-years-old back in 2011, and he averaged 20 appearances per season for the Red Devils between 2011 and 2018, but he has only played twice this term.

Jones has several years of Premier League experience under his belt, as well as insightful experience from playing in the 2014 and 2018 World Cup tournaments with England, but there is no need for Jones at Newcastle United.

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When looking at the squad, Newcastle United have one of the best, if not the best, defense in the Premier League for teams outside of the top six. The team’s current goal differential (-16) does not reflect that at the moment, but it is important to remember that several injuries to key players has impacted that number.

If Newcastle United were to sign Jones in the summer, who would Steve Bruce drop in order to start him? Jamaal Lascelles has been in fine form this season, and Federico Fernandez has been one of the best central defenders in the top flight this term.

Fabian Schar is a standout defender who could start on any Premier League team, but his injury earlier this season opened the door for Fernandez and he has been finding it difficult to win his place back. Ciaran Clark has also been pure class this season on the back-line up until he severely injured his ankle a few weeks ago.

If Jones is looking to secure a move that would guarantee him regular minutes as a starter then he should ask his agent to look at other clubs. The competition in defense at Newcastle United will make it difficult for the 28-year-old to break into the squad.

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Jones is a talented, experienced defender, but Newcastle United do not need him. Instead of dishing out £12m for Jones, the Magpies’ front office should use that money toward a summer transfer for a new striker.