Premier League sides Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Peterborough United forward Ricky-Jade Jones, according to Paul Gilmour of Sky Sports. Outlets in both Liverpool and Manchester have also picked up on the news.
The 17-year-old, who turned professional late last year, has made 11 appearances for the League One side, and also scored in the FA Cup defeat away at Burnley.
Manchester United and Liverpool Monitoring Peterborough United’s Ricky-Jade Jones
Previous Interest
Peterborough chairman Barry Fry had confirmed before that, along with Leeds United, a trio of Premier League clubs have enquired about taking Jones from the club.
His first goal for the club came on his first start when he netted in the EFL Trophy match against Cambridge United. He then went on to score in the next match, an FA Cup replay against Stevenage. His league debut for Posh soon followed when he played against Burton Albion.
Qualities and Comparisons
Aside from his knack of scoring goals, Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson has remarked that Jones “must be the quickest player I’ve ever managed“. Gilmour’s report for Sky Sports states that Jones can run 100m in 10.9 seconds.
This speed has led Jones to compare himself to Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy, telling Sky: “I look at teams like Leicester and players like Jamie Vardy. I think I’m suited to [being] a Vardy-type of player.
“I’ve had a few defenders say they don’t like playing against me and that’s always nice to hear at a young age.”
United With the Upper Hand?
Whether United or Liverpool make official moves for Jones remains to be seen, particularly as both already have young forwards waiting in the wings for their moments to shine.
If either does, though, United perhaps have the upper hand in the battle for Jones after he revealed that Red Devils forward Marcus Rashford is his footballing idol.
He said: “Marcus Rashford because the way he broke into the team was similar to me and my upbringing. I watch Rashford a lot and learn from him.”
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