Manchester United are willing to sell rumoured Middlesbrough and Derby County target Phil Jones, according to a report from The Mirror, via The MEN.

It was recently reported that the Championship duo are both interested in a deal for the defender, who is out of favour at Old Trafford, and it now seems their chances of doing that have been increased.

According to the latest reports, Jones is one of several players that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is willing to let go once the transfer window reopens, as he looks to trim his squad down to size.

Jones has not been named amongst United's 25-man Premier League squad this season, meaning he cannot represent them in league action, despite the fact he remains on the wage bill.

However, 'Boro and Derby are not alone with their interest in Jones, with Premier League relegation battlers Burnley also said to be interested in the former Blackburn man.

As things stand, there are still two-and-a-half years remaining on Jones' contract with United, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Verdict

It does seem as though this could be something of an opportunity for one of these Championship clubs.

With United seemingly keen to get Jones off their wage bill, they may be willing to listen to a reduced offer for the defender, or even consider a loan deal, which could make this more affordable for 'Boro or Derby.

You also wonder whether Jones himself could be willing to drop his demands in terms of wages - which would again help one of those Championship sides - in order to give him a better chance of finally playing regular first-team football again.

As a result, you feel this is something 'Boro and Derby should well look into, given the solid and reliable  job Jones could surely still do at Championship level.