Leeds and Orta now eyeing shock move for 'waste of time'; he's missed 217 games through injury

Leeds United have been linked with a surprise move for Manchester United defender Phil Jones.

Jones, capable of playing as a centre-back, right-back or holding midfielder, is entering the final 12 months of his Old Trafford contract.

The 30-year-old has struggled massively over the last three seasons, though, making just six Premier League appearances.

He has missed a whopping 217 games through injury during his career and was labelled as a ‘waste of time’ by Rio Ferdinand, but it looks as if he may well be of interest to Victor Orta.

According to Marca, Leeds are one of three top-flight clubs interested in a move for Jones.

Southampton and newly-promoted Fulham are also name-checked in their report, with Jones holding a meagre £2.7m Transfermarkt valuation.

The Whites struggled massively at the back last season, with Norwich the only side to concede more goals than Leeds’ tally of 79. Jesse Marsch was thought to be planning a defensive overhaul, but a possible move for Jones wouldn’t be a smart one.

As mentioned, he has a woeful injury record which is even worse than Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw and has hardly played over the past three years.

Marsch already has four senior centre-back options and a fifth in academy star Charlie Cresswell, so Orta should stay well away from a potential deal.

In other news: £25m: Leeds now want ‘complete’ Phillips replacement; just waiting for Radz green light. 

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