Stoke City 'interested in Manchester United defender Phil Jones'

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has refused to rule out a move for Manchester United outcast Phil Jones this summer.

The England international has reportedly been told by manager Jose Mourinho that he is not part of his Old Trafford plans after falling out of favour last season.

When asked about the 24-year-old during his post-match press conference following the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Hughes remained tight-lipped but did enquire whether the Englishman had been watching from the stands.

According to The Sun, Stoke are looking to quickly wrap up a deal to bring the centre-back to the Bet365 Stadium to provide further back-up in defence.

Jones, who has not made a first-team appearance for United since being hauled off against Swansea City on January 2, will be available for a fraction of the £16m the Red Devils splashed out to sign him from Blackburn Rovers in 2011.