News has come out today that the player has a £16 million pound release clause in the contract he signed in January, Which has come as a shock to many Rovers fans.
More intriguing in my opinion is "Who has let the cat out of the bag?"
Agents always play tricks at this time of the year to try and engineer moves for their clients, whilst it appears unlikely that the information has come directly from the club due to the obvious backlash it would cause from the fans towards the owners as their relationship is already a fragile one.
Other sources are claiming that this revelation has come via individuals close to the player which if this is the case would suggest that the player would like to move on and try his hand at a bigger club.
It's disappointing to think one of our own who has had lots of development and investment put into him since his arrival at the club as a young boy would be so quick to jump ship, especially as it has been quoted on many occasions that he is a fan of Blackburn.
Phil Jones has made a big impact since coming on the scene at Blackburn and has had many rave reviews for some of his performances, However it remains to be seen if any club is willing to match the £16 Million which will trigger the release clause.
Jones has remained tight lipped during the speculation over his future and the silence only add's to the speculation that he has played his last game in a Rovers shirt. If the player has decided he wants to leave then it would be best for all concerned if he goes now, So that any money we receive for the deal can be reinvested into the squad at an early stage of this transfer window.
Liverpool are the 4/5 Favourites to land the player which Arsenal next best in the market at 12-1, The bookies very rarely get these things wrong and it appears its only a matter if time before the youngster makes the move. The question is will it be a straight cash deal or will Rovers see this an opportunity to try and entice players from Liverpool as part of any deal? David Ngog has been linked with Rovers on numerous occasions over the last 12 months, Whilst Joe Cole has also been told he can leave Liverpool, but his injury problems are well highlighted. Steve Kean has made no secret he is in the market for a Striker and a Midfield player and Joe Cole's versatility may just fit the bill. A player comfortable down either wing or playing in an advanced midfield role is certainly something which will be of great interest to Rovers. The national press believe Cole could be available for as little as £3 Million and with Ngog thrown into the equation it may be that those 2 and £8 Million would trigger a positive response from Rovers to do Business. By taking the player plus cash option, It also opens up Rovers to have extra things tagged into the transfer deal such as, Sell on Clauses, Appearance for both club and Country Clauses and off course Trophy clauses should Liverpool go on to win any whilst Jones is their player.
Phil Jone's still lives at home and a move out of the Area seems very unlikely, as living alone at such a tender age for the first time may be too much especially with the pressure of having a big transfer tag on his head.
Is this good Business for Rovers? Only time will tell, If the money is reinvested into the playing staff with good quality then this could propel us up the table by quite a few places. Buying a striker has to be our priority, Defenders can be replaced but goalscorers win you matches and at present Rovers do not have a centre forward capable of getting in double figures for a season.
Finally I would like to say I don't think the club can be faulted for their efforts to try and keep the player, By getting the player to sign a new deal in January it gave Rovers a bigger bargaining tool for the summer as it was quite clear at this time that interest in the player would be renewed by clubs who had previously placed bids in the region of £8 Million pound. The player and players agent would of insisted on a release clause and the club had to play ball to ensure we didn't lose the player for well below his market value.
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