Phil Jones (M) heading a ball during a match against Spain at the European under-21 championship. [Source:Sina.com]

Manchester United has agreed to sign teenage defender Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers on a five-year deal, the English Premier League champion said yesterday. The 19-year-old center back is on duty with England at the European under-21 championship.

The club did not give details of a transfer fee but local media have reported it could be around 17 million pounds (US$27.71 million).

"The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract. The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty," United said in a news release.