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Sources: Watford failed with last-gasp approach to sign Man United star Phil Jones
Watford failed with an approach to sign Man United defender Phil Jones before the transfer window shut, Football Insider understands.
The 29-year-old was close to a loan move to Bordeaux on loan before changing his mind.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that new Watford boss Roy Hodgson also sanctioned a move for Jones but it was knocked back.
Hodgson is a big admirer of the centre-back having worked with him during his time as England manager and picking him in his Euro 2012 and 2014 World Cup squads.
Jones has only just returned from a knee injury that kept him out of action for over 18 months and made his comeback in last month’s Premier League clash with Wolves (3 January).
He has been a consistent name on the bench in the Premier League ever since but is yet to add to his one appearance this season.
His opportunities at Old Trafford may be limited even further with Eric Bailly set to return from AFCON.
Watford are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements as Hodgson is tasked with keeping them in the Premier League.
They have conceded 40 goals in 20 Premier League games this season – only Newcastle United (43) and Norwich City (45) have shipped more.
Jones has played over 200 times across all competitions for United but has not been a regular since the beginning of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign during the 2018-19 campaign.
In other news, a finance guru has revealed Man United are set to rake it in from 2024 after a ‘sensational’ Uefa update.