Everton target Manchester United defender

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Kolkata, March 15: Manchester United defender Phil Jones is being targeted by Everton boss Sam Allardyce, according to reports in England.

The Goodison Park manager Sam Allardyce will try to sign the England centre-back if he is still in the Blues hotseat next season as per sources in England.

Jones' contract under Jose Mourinho expires at the end of next season but the club have the option to extend it by a year which the Red Devils are likely to activate.

The former Blackburn defender, 26, has been in and out of the United side this season after suffering several hamstring injuries.

And his role is a contested one, with Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly all fighting for a spot in the starting XI.

Mourinho is also expected to be looking for at least one new central defender in the summer with no one apart from Bailly being able to impress on a regular basis.

Although after a meek 2-1 home defeat to Sevilla in the round of 16 and a shock Champions League exit, the Portuguese might be looking for fresh attackers also.

Allardyce gave Jones his professional debut at Rovers nine years ago and wants to build a new-look defence around the player at Goodison Park.

The pair are said to have remained in close contact and Big Sam believes he can get the best out of Jones which has not come in so many years at Old Trafford.

The former England chief Allardyce has another year to go on his deal but his future remains uncertain at Everton.

The 63-year-old has fought back the threat of relegation but fans have criticised the club's new style of play.

Michael Keane has failed to kick on since his move from Burnley and Phil Jagielka is in the twilight of his playing career.