Leeds United have been linked with a surprise move for Manchester United defender Phil Jones.

The Lowdown: Old Trafford struggles

Jones, capable of playing as a centre-back, right-back or holding midfielder, is entering the final 12 months of his Old Trafford contract.

The 30-year-old has struggled massively over the last three seasons, though, making just six Premier League appearances.

He has missed a whopping 217 games through injury during his career and was labelled as a ‘waste of time’ by Rio Ferdinand, but it looks as if he may well be of interest to Victor Orta.

The Latest: Leeds interest?

According to Marca, Leeds are one of three top-flight clubs interested in a move for Jones.

Southampton and newly-promoted Fulham are also name-checked in their report, with Jones holding a meagre £2.7m Transfermarkt valuation.

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The Verdict: Avoid…

The Whites struggled massively at the back last season, with Norwich the only side to concede more goals than Leeds’ tally of 79. Jesse Marsch was thought to be planning a defensive overhaul, but a possible move for Jones wouldn’t be a smart one.

As mentioned, he has a woeful injury record which is even worse than Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw and has hardly played over the past three years.

Marsch already has four senior centre-back options and a fifth in academy star Charlie Cresswell, so Orta should stay well away from a potential deal.

In other news: £25m: Leeds now want 'complete' Phillips replacement; just waiting for Radz green light.