According to a recent report from The Daily Telegraph, Phil Jones could well be set for a move this summer. The Manchester United defender only managed 23 appearances in the Premier League for Jose Mourinho’s men last term to suggest that he is not always a first-choice at Old Trafford, and some unconvincing performances in the latter phase of the campaign further underlined that the 26-year-old may not be the best option for the Red Devils.

And with Mourinho’s side reportedly eyeing up a move for fellow centre back Harry Maguire, Jones could well be a surplus to requirements this summer, which should prompt Marco Silva’s Everton to pull off what could turn out to be a transfer masterstroke.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the Toffees were very poor defensively last season in conceding 58 goals in their 38 Premier League matches, which remarkably was more than the relegated duo of Swansea City and West Brom, both of whom shipped 56 goals.

Thus, it’s pretty evident that new boss Silva simply has to bolster and strengthen the defensive ranks at Goodison Park if he is to take the club forward this summer, especially given the fact that it is an ageing backline what with Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams, and Leighton Baines all very much in the twilight of their careers.

Yet given Jones’ efforts at times in the previous season, he could be the ideal addition to a Toffees squad that is lacking in genuine quality in certain areas.

The 26-year-old may well have unconvinced late on in the season last time round, but there was a time whereby the United defender was enjoying a good run of form to further underline his defensive capabilities, which must have been enough for Gareth Southgate given he named Jones in his 23-man England squad for the recent World Cup.

Ultimately, the former Blackburn Rovers man would be an upgrade on messrs Jagielka and Williams in the heart of the Toffees backline, and he could well strike up a decent partnership with either Michael Keane and Mason Holgate, a partnership which could be set for the long term given all three are under the age of 27.

And given Jones has also excelled as both a right back and indeed a defensive midfielder during his time at Old Trafford, albeit not for a while, Silva would even have other options from which to utilise the 26-year-old, which can only be a good thing for the Everton chief as he sizes up a top six push.

Thus, with Jones’ future reportedly under threat given United’s desire to land Maguire, Silva’s Toffees should be prompted to make a move for the defender, in what could prove to be a transfer masterstroke.

Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!