Jones' Man United deal hits snag

Phil Jones

Jones, who is rated as one of English football's hottest prospects, had reportedly arrived in Manchester on Wednesday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with United.
While the England U-21 international passed his medical and was able to agree on a contract with the club, it is now revealed that the transfer has not been able to go through due to Blackburn's valuation of the player.
It was initially suggested Jones had a minimum fee release clause of £16million which would enable any club who meets that valuation to purchase the player.
However, The Guardian believes the clause only allows a club to initiate contact with Jones should they make a bid in that region, but does not necessitate that Blackburn accept the offer.
Aware that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen on Jones as well, Blackburn's owners, Venky's, believe the player is worth much more, and are reportedly holding out for a better offer.
The Guardian further suggests that lawyers may be called in to investigate the fine print of Jones' contract to assess whether the clause means the defender has to be sold if a club bids £16m, or if he is merely allowed to speak to his suitors.
United look set for a summer of rebuilding, and are said to have no significant concerns that the Jones deal will not be completed.