Cardiff chase England U20 starlet

Cardiff City are interested in Crewe Alexandra youngster Billy Jones. The defender is highly versatile but is most comfortable at full back.

City chairman Sam Hammam reportedly joked he would have saved money investing in a Crewe season ticket having watched Jones on so many occasions!

Jones will be out of contract next summer and has expressed his wish to leave Gresty Road for a chance at a higher level. Manchester City are reported to be interested with one tabloid claiming Pearce is ready to spend £1.5 million in January to secure his services. Cardiff could not match that bid, but as to whether Pearce would be given license to spend that king of money on an unproven player out of contract within 6 months remains to be seen.

Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker confirmed Cardiff's interest:

'We've had no enquiries apart from Cardiff and that's been ongoing for a while, they have been watching him but there has not been a bid.'

Cardiff may make a bid in January rather than wait until August as Crewe may be willing to cash in on the player for a reduced fee depending on their promotion chances, but City will almost certainly face competion for a player with huge potential and a bright future.

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