---
title: "Southampton: Journalist reveals Phil Jones interest"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-interested-signing-manchester-united-defender-phil-jones/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Will Seager"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2022-06-07T12:16:40Z"
modified: "2022-06-07T12:17:56Z"
---

# Southampton: Journalist reveals Phil Jones interest

**According to one journalist, [Southampton](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-news/) are one of three [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) sides interested in signing Manchester United defender Phil Jones.**

### **The Lowdown: Jones’ playing time**

Whilst the 30-year-old has made 228 appearances for Man United and has amassed 203 caps in the English top-flight (via [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/phil-jones/leistungsdaten/spieler/117996)), the centre-back has found himself out of the Red Devils’ side in recent years.

The former England international played just [161 minutes of Premier League football all season](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/phil-jones/leistungsdaten/spieler/117996), adding a further half-an-hour in the FA Cup to his first-team tally.

With injury and Covid-19 absences for Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, Jones had to step up and play alongside Raphael Varane as [United faced Wolves in January.](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/phil-jones-man-united-wolves-return-luke-shaw-rangnick-reaction-b974744.html)

After a returning from his 709-day absence, teammate Luke Shaw hailed the defender’s performance, claiming that he was [‘phenomenal’](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/phil-jones-man-united-wolves-return-luke-shaw-rangnick-reaction-b974744.html) at the back.

### **The Latest: Saints interested**

After returning from his devastating injury which he [suffered back in 2020](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/phil-jones/verletzungen/spieler/117996), rumours surrounding Jones’ future have now begun to emerge.

Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Ekremkonur/status/1533793788744835080), a reporter for Italian newspaper [Calcio in Pillole](https://twitter.com/CalcioPillole) has shared news of a potential move away from Old Trafford for the 30-year-old, claiming:

“EXCL Fulham, Southampton and Leeds are interested in Manchester United’s English defender Phil Jones.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”398360″\]

### **The Verdict: Good move for him**

With his United career having stagnated due to various reasons, a move away to another top-flight side could prove to be a great decision for Jones.

Saints could utilise an experienced defender in their backline alongside [Mohammed Salisu](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mohammed-salisu/leistungsdaten/spieler/563963), with the youngster having found his feet in the league after making 34 appearances this season.

\[freshpress-poll id=”367680″\]

With Ralph Hasenhuttl viewing the signing of a [centre-back as a priority this summer](https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/20007823.southampton-reportedly-view-signing-centre-back-important-summer-transfer-window/), Jones could be a great addition to Southampton’s squad if he can stay fit, with United expected to command a minimal fee.

This could be a deal that suits all parties.

***In other news: [Journalist shares exciting Brereton-Diaz update](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-transfer-rumours/southampton-journalist-shares-exciting-brereton-diaz-update/)***