Yesterday, Football League World exclusively learnt that Blackburn Rovers were amongst a few clubs monitoring Manchester United defender Phil Jones. 

Rovers, who were the only named club in the report, had a real shortage of defensive options when the season started, with Darragh Lenihan and Daniel Ayala the only two options at one point. 

It was reported in the summer that Jones was considering offers in the Championship, but no deal came to fruition. 

It now appears that interest in the England international has resurfaced, but it does remain to be seen who Blackburn will be competing against for his signature. 

Is it a good potential move? 

Defensive personnel have since returned to full fitness for Rovers, but one of the club's most consistent performers in the early stages, Ayala, now finds himself on the sidelines. 

Adding a defender could certainly help bolster Blackburn, with the Lancashire club conceding more goals than any other side in the top half of the Championship. 

The problem with this move is that Jones has not played much football over the last few years, making it a real punt to bring him into a side competing at the top end of the second-tier. 

On the flip side, his experience could prove pivotal if Rovers are edging towards securing a play-off spot as this season progresses. 

Would he start?

It would probably take a while for Jones to be match-fit, given the lack of first-team action he has seen in recent years with United. 

However, the addition of Jones would allow Mowbray to be more flexible with his defensive options. 

The Blackburn manager has opted to deploy a five-at-the-back formation a couple of times this season, and should he add another experienced defender, then that can become something he can do more often. 

What does he offer?

The experience he would bring would undoubtedly be a big boost for all at Ewood Park, but it could especially prove to be vital for the younger defenders the club currently possess. 

His defensive qualities have also always been there for all to see, as he is a tough-tackling competitor who has won the vast majority of battles he has had on the pitch. 

There are questions about his ability on the ball, but as he has grown, he has become slightly more composed. 

He certainly would add a few qualities to the backline, but it would still be quite a risk.