The England defender, 26, is one of a host of stars out of contract next summer — and United have no intention of letting him go for free.
Arsenal and Spurs have both kept tabs on Jones, who was once tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson as having the potential to be one of the great signings.
Jones — a £15million buy from Blackburn back in 2011 — has been dogged by injuries in recent seasons and featured just twice so far this term.
But Jose Mourinho rates him highly and United will invoke the contract clause to give them time to consider their options next summer.
United made a hurried check on Argentinian star Exequiel Palacios last night amid rumours he is set to join Real Madrid.
United sent a top spy to watch the River Plate No 10 play bitter Argentine rivals Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final in Buenos Aires today.
Palacios, 20, has already won two caps and has been on United’s radar for some time.
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But reports of Real Madrid offering £15million have reached Old Trafford where they are running out of time and opportunities to intercept.
United’s priority for January’s transfer window is a centre-half to fix a problem area for Mourinho -but now long-term target Palacios could be off to a rival.
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