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Monday, June 13, 2011

Man Utd sign Jones from Blackburn

Phil Jones in action for Blackburn Jones has finally tied down a move from Ewood Park to Old Trafford

Manchester United have sealed a five-year contract for Blackburn defender Phil Jones in a deal believed to be worth up to £17m.

The England Under-21 centre-half had a medical with United on 8 June before a late hitch delayed the transfer.

And despite offers from Arsenal and Liverpool, the 19-year-old insisted he only wanted a move to Old Trafford.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm looking forward to a new challenge," Jones said on Twitter.

Watch Match of the Day analysis of Jones in action for Blackburn against Man Utd last year

"I'd just like to say that I've loved my time at Blackburn and I will always be a huge fan."

A United statement said the club were "delighted" to conclude the transfer.

"The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract," the statement read.

"The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty."

Jones only made his Premier League debut in March last year but has made a big impact in his first full season and featured for the England U21s in the 1-1 draw with their Spanish counterparts on Sunday.

Several United players expressed their happiness on their Twitter accounts on Monday afternoon after hearing of the news at the arrival of Jones.

Striker Wayne Rooney said: "Welcome to Man Utd Phil Jones. Looking forward to playing with u," while defender Rio Ferdinand said: "Welcome to Phil Jones. Another top young talent joining the club. The future is bright."

Former England forward Michael Owen stated the acquisition of Jones was "great news".

The teenager will face a battle to immediately break into United's first team with Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic the clear first choice for the centre-half spots.

Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are also competing for places at the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson's defence.

A string of fine performances by Jones helped Blackburn end their season with a four-game unbeaten run, which included a 1-1 draw with United and wins over Bolton and Wolves, to guide them to Premier League survival.

Preston-born Jones joined Blackburn's youth set-up in 2002, making his debut in a Carling Cup win at Nottingham Forest in September 2009. His first Premier League appearance came six months later in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Ewood Park.

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