The Manchester United defender Phil Jones has been told that his future is at the club for the time being, with interest from Arsenal in the England international who has drifted out of the reckoning since the start of the year.

Arsene Wenger’s search for a new centre-back before the window closes next Wednesday has meant that no alternatives can be discounted. Jones, 24, has four years left on his current deal, including options, and earns in excess of £100,000-a-week which would make his salary a big commitment and out of the range of most.