Jose Mourinho plans showdown talks with Phil Jones

 

Jose Mourinho is set to give Phil Jones assurances about his future at Manchester United, according to a report.

Mourinho has reportedly requested a meeting Phil Jones to clear up the defender’s future at Old Trafford with Goal

claiming the Portuguese boss is intent on keeping the versatile player at the club.

Jones, 24, signed a new four-year contract at Old Trafford in June 2015, but numerous ankle problems and a blood clot in his calf meant he made only six Premier League starts last season.

Dutch utility player Daley Blind also filled in at centre-back under Louis van Gaal limiting Jones’ first-team action, but Mourinho is understood to be keen on keeping the player at Old Trafford,

Mourinho will sit down with Jones when he returns from holiday in order to explain where the centre-back fits in his plans for United next season.

Jones has made 120 starts for United, in a whole host of positions including centre-back, right-back and holding midfield and scored five goals since arriving from Blackburn in 2011 for around £16.5million.

Mourinho has just acquired the services of Villarreal centre-back Eric Bailly for around £30million, but he is still believed to be looking to recruit more defenders although Jones’ place in the squad is understood to be safe.

Jones, who has matured as a player with United, last year admitted he used to “go after” players in training who “stuck one on me”.

Mourinho is keen to bolster his defensive options and reports yesterday suggested the club are keeping tabs on Monaco defender Fabinho