Fulham have been linked with an audacious loan move for Manchester United defender Phil Jones, according to reports this morning.

90min.com claims that the Whites are amongst a clutch of Championship clubs interested in taking the former England centre half on loan before the end of the summer transfer window with Jones eager to build up his match fitness having not played any competitive football for nineteen months following a serious knee injury. The 29 year-old, who played in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley, is unlikely to make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad on a regular basis after the summer signing of Rafael Varane.

The former Blackburn defender, who has made 224 appearances for United, is understood to be open to the idea of a loan to the second tier as he seeks regular football to reignite his career. His last senior appearance came at Tranmere in the FA Cup last January and Fulham may be interested in some central defensive cover should Tim Ream’s back injury prove severe, with Maxime Le Marchand expected to leave Craven Cottage before next week’s transfer deadline.