PHIL Jones has a ‘release clause’ in his Blackburn Rovers contract that would allow him to leave the club if any of their rivals bid £16million or more.

The in-demand defender is attracting the attention of most of the Premier League top club’s although none have yet launched an official bid for the player this summer.

It is understood the clause was inserted when the 19-year-old signed an extension in January until 2016 – soon after tentative enquiries from Chelsea had been turned down.

Rovers also turned down a £8million bid for their home-grown product 12 months ago from Arsenal and are bracing themselves for further interest during the coming weeks.

Jones met with Steve Kean yesterday morning to discuss his future and the player is believed to have told his manager he would like the opportunity to listen to other clubs should they match the valuation.

Rovers know they can’t keep the player at Ewood should he decide to leave and if a big enough bid is received, although bosses hope Jones will opt to stay for another season.

While he is not desperate to leave East Lancashire, Jones is ambitious and could see a move to one of the Premier League’s big guns as too big a chance to turn down.

Jones sets off to Denmark tomorrow with the England under 21s for their European Championship campaign.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is expected to be the first to make a bid Jones, although any official move would put their rivals on red alert.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was prepared to wait 12 months before making another attempt to sign the defender but Liverpool’s interest might force their hand.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is also a known admirer and has told sources close to him he sees him as long-term replacement for Rio Ferdinand.

Manchester City and Tottenham are also known to be interested.