Isaiah Jones had a superb 2021/22 Championship campaign.

Appearing 42 times for the club in the division, the versatile right-sided player racked up an impressive nine assists for Boro, and scored one goal.

The 22-year-old also played a key role in Middlesbrough's run to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The above performances clearly caught the eye, with Manchester United linked with a transfer for the emerging Championship star in recent days.

What do we know so far?

As per a report from 90min, Manchester United, along with fellow top six Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Interestingly, the 90min report includes comments recently made by Jones on the Ur Fresh TV YouTube channel.

Speaking to the channel, Jones said, via 90min: "I'm confident and I believe in my own ability, so of course I believe I can achieve that and play one day in the Premier League, but I know I've got to show that level consistently."

"I know in myself that there is a lot more to come and hearing praise just motivates me to go harder.

 

 

"It's always nice to hear praise, but when people say to me, 'you should be in the Premier League' and 'you should leave Middlesbrough', I'm like, 'No, I really enjoy it here'. I'm improving here every day. That's what I train hard for, to improve and work hard on my weaknesses. I don't really miss home when I'm up there either. I've got my own crib.

"It's great to hear nice things, but at the same time, you've got to stay humble. You get the buzz when people say nice things after games, but ultimately it's then back to work and focusing on the next game after that."

Is it likely to happen?

This one is unlikely to happen this summer.

As impressive as Jones was throughout the 2021/22 campaign, it was the young defender's first full season that he has really played at senior level.

Whilst I think he could make the jump up to some of the sides in the Premier League right now, I don't think he is ready for a top six club just yet.

If he did make the move to United now, he would likely not get much game time, which would only harm his development.

Instead, another year in the Championship competing at the sharp end of the division with Boro will allow the 22-year-old to continue his development and really mature his game.

Not only that, but Boro are also unlikely to want to sell Jones this summer.

Given they are already set to cash in on Djed Spence, they are not going to be short of cash at present, so any offer for Jones would likely have to be beyond what he is worth.

Perhaps then, next summer, a move to a club the size of Manchester United would be more suitable.