PHIL jones has vowed 'I'll always support Blackburn Rovers' after his £16.5million move to Manchester United was confirmed this afternoon.

The 19-year-old's Old Trafford switch was finally agreed after days of wrangling over the fee - with Rovers claiming the price would eventually rise to over £20million.

Jones, born near Chorley, has progressed through Rovers' youth ranks before establishing himself as one of the country's top young players over the last 18 months.

He said: "I'd just like to start of by saying that I've loved my time at Blackburn Rovers and I will always be a huge fan.

"But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am looking forward to a new challenge."

Meanwhile Rovers boss Steve Kean has confirmed the club offered to make the player a record deal to stay, as reported in the Lancashire Telegraph last week.

He also said the money would be available to spend on new players this summer.