Jones vs Messi On The Cards – United Defender To Join Ligue 1 Side On Loan

Phil Jones reacts.

Reuters / John Sibley

Phil Jones is set to move to France after agreeing to join Bordeaux on a six month loan.

The Ligue 1 outfit quickly moved for the Manchester United centre-back after allowing former Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny to leave on a free transfer.

Jones is believed to be keen on the move, and as per French journalist Santi Aaouna, the 29-year-old was personally convinced by sporting director Admar Lopes.

After an absence of nearly two years, the Englishman returned to the United starting XI against Wolves early in January. He was lauded for his performance, but failed to get another start after Harry Maguire’s return to fitness.

Eric Bailly was linked with AC Milan earlier in the window, but now looks set to stay, pushing Jones further down the pecking order. As such, a loan move away from United would be best for his career.

If things go as per plan, Jones will come up against Lionel Messi when Bordeaux visit the Parc des Princes to face PSG in March. His experience of facing Ronaldo in training will certainly come in handy.

Most importantly, the defender will hope for an injury free spell in France so that he can return to Old Trafford with considerable amount of minutes under his belt in the summer.