Manchester United transfer news: Chris Smalling and Phil Jones face uncertain future with contract renewal talks on hold
United defenders will both see their contracts run out next season and have interested clubs across the Premier League
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones could be on the move sooner than you think after reports emerged that the club are yet to open contract negotiations despite their deals set to run out at the end of next season.
The pair are enjoying a strong run of form which has coincided with United’s much-needed improvement in performances of late, having seen off top four rivals Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks.
But despite currently featuring in the England squad – Jones started Friday night’s 4-0 win over Lithuania while Smalling was on the bench – the Daily Mail reports that the club have not opened negotiations over prospective new deals.
A failure to extends their contracts would mean that both Jones and Smalling would be free to negotiate a move to another club next May, while they could even agree a transfer abroad as early as January.
However, it is also claimed that the club remain confident that they will tie down both defenders to new contracts in the near future.
Having signed 23-year-old Jones in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers in a £17m deal that raised more than a few eyebrows, United would be hugely reluctant to lose him for nothing, while 25-year-old Smalling would also generate a fair profit on the £10m Sir Alex Ferguson sanctioned to be paid to Fulham in 2010 with Arsenal already being linked with a summer move.
United manager Louis van Gaal is said to be a big fan of Smalling having seen him adapt to his favoured tactics and style of play, and it was his decision to block an approach from the Gunners last summer that kept Smalling at the club even if it meant missing out on the transfer of Thomas Vermaelen, who eventually joined Barcelona for £15m.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments