9-6-11: Blackburn defender Phil Jones is set to join Manchester United in a deal worth up to £17m. 1-7-11: Blackburn have stepped aside to allow Phil Jones to "follow his dream" of joining Manchester United, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. Although Rovers have claimed Jones' switch to Old Trafford could eventually break their transfer record, United have not gone beyond the initial £16.5million offer that triggered a buy-out clause in the teenager's contract. "Much as we would love him to stay on with us - and we made all efforts to convince him to stay - Phil has to finally follow his heart," said a statement on behalf of the Rovers' owners, directors and manager, released on the club website.