Manchester United transfer news: Stoke target move for Phil Jones with Potters hoping to unlock wasted potential of England centre-back
Mark Hughes wants to turn Jones into the player Sir Alex Ferguson always said he could be
STOKE want to sign Phil Jones and turn him into the player Sir Alex Ferguson always said he could be.
The England centre-back, 24, was described by Fergie as having enough talent to become Manchester United's 'best ever player' back in 2013.
But Jones has so far failed to build upon his early promise following his high-profile move from Blackburn for £16.5million.
Stoke assistant manager Mark Bowen has confirmed that Jones is on the Potters wishlist and a move may materialise before the transfer window closes.
He told the Stoke Sentinel: "I remember Sam Allardyce talking about him when he broke through and said he was the new Duncan Edwards.
"He did well as a youngster, got the big move, but it hasn't worked out for him there. I don't know how close we are or how far down the line it's gone.
"He's played the majority of his career at centre-half, but in his younger days he went into midfield as well.
"I don't know what's gone wrong, but he's gone from even a player Fergie [Alex Ferguson] was talking about as being someone who could have been one of the greats.
"But we have a bit of reputation for bringing players like that into this set-up and then thriving. Fingers crossed, something may happen."
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Jose Mourinho is currently favouring Eric Bailly and Daley Blind in central defence with Chris Smalling also in the reckoning, leaving Jones on the edge of a regular first-team place.