Jones target for Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish is poised to go head to head with Alex Ferguson as the battle to sign Blackburn centre-back Phil Jones intensifies.

Liverpool's caretaker-boss Dalglish was at Ewood Park on Monday and saw £15million-rated Jones impress despite the 1-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Jones, 19, has emerged as one of the hottest properties in English football and has been likened to England and Chelsea captain John Terry by former Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.

Arsenal had a firm bid of £9 million rejected last summer and Blackburn's hopes of hanging on to him will be diminished if they are relegated.

Manchester United manager Ferguson made initial enquiries at the end of last season about the defender, who signed a new contract in February which runs until 2016, with a view to following up his interest this summer.

Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcements is growing, with Daniel Agger's recurring injury problems a concern and with Sotirios Kyrgiakos likely to leave.

Dalglish has also checked on Bolton's Gary Cahill and Paris St Germain's Mamadou Sakho, but left Blackburn after 80 minutes encouraged by Jones' display.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean is adamant that the club is under no pressure to sell following the takeover by Indian firm Venkys, but their resolve will be undermined if they are relegated to the Championship.

Pepe Reina, meanwhile, has given the clearest indication yet that he will remain at Liverpool.

Goalkeeper Reina believes Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title within two years after being buoyed by the transformation in the club's fortunes under Dalglish and new owners the Fenway Sports Group.

Source: Daily Express

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