Manchester United in talks with defender over long-term deal

Manchester United have reportedly begun talks over a fresh long-term contract with first-team regular Phil Jones. The England international has been ever-present in this season's Premier League, helping the club to seven clean sheets.

Jones, 25, has had his struggles with form and fitness over the past couple of years, but he has managed to overcome his issues to become the first-choice centre-back under Jose Mourinho.

According to ESPN, the former Blackburn Rovers graduate is in talks over a potential extension at Old Trafford beyond the summer of 2019.

The report goes on to suggest that negotiations are still at an early stage with wages of around £150,000-a-week discussed for his proposed new contract. 

Mourinho has handled Jones carefully during the ongoing campaign having left him out for the recent Champions League trips to both CSKA Moscow and Benfica.

Jones had been nursing a minor knee injury earlier this month, but he appears to have shaken off the problem after starting the goalless draw against Liverpool last weekend.