Peterborough United dimissed interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Leeds United in teenage sensation Ricky-Jade Jones during the January transfer window

Peterborough United rebuffed interest in teenage striker Ricky-Jade Jones from some of the biggest clubs in the country during the January transfer window.
Ricky-Jade Jones celebrates a goal for Posh.Ricky-Jade Jones celebrates a goal for Posh.
Ricky-Jade Jones celebrates a goal for Posh.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal were among the clubs to enquire about a player who has been with Posh since he was nine years old.

But it was Championship promotion challengers Leeds United who were the most persistent pursuers.

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“We had more clubs interested in Ricky in January than we did in Ivan Toney,” Posh director of football Barry Fry, the man in charge of transfer negotiations at the Weston Homes Stadium, revealed.

Ricky-Jade Jones (right) in action for Posh.Ricky-Jade Jones (right) in action for Posh.
Ricky-Jade Jones (right) in action for Posh.

“They were all after him. United, Liverpool, Arsenal, but we told them all the same thing and that it was a waste of time bidding as we were determined to hold on to him.

“For one he is going to be a very good player for us and secondly he will be worth a lot more money a few years dwon the line.

“Leeds were actually the most determined to sign Ricky. They were on several times as they think Ricky is going to be the next Tammy Abraham. I told them if that’s the case he must be worth £15 million already!

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“In our opinion Ricky is better off developing with us and helping us be successful. He’s a lovely lad with his feet on the ground.”

Posh turned down a bid of £2 million from a top Premier League side for Jones when he was just 16. Fry wouldn’t reveal the bidder, but he confirmed it wasn’t Spurs as widely believed.

Jones signed his first professional deal at Posh on his 17th birthday in November. He is tied to Posh until 2022.

Jones made his Posh first-team debut aged 16 in an EFL Trophy match against Arsenal in October. He made his Football League debut against Burton in November.

Jones has scored four goals in 15 Posh appearances, 11 of those appearances have been from the substitutes’ bench.