BLACKBURN Rovers turned down a £10million summer bid from Arsenal for teenage sensation Phil Jones, we can reveal.

The 18-year-old defender will miss most of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury but remains high up on a number of top club’s long-term wanted list.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has already described the Chorley-born Jones as the nearest player to his own skipper John Terry and, along with Manchester United, was believed to be considering a January move for him.

The Lancashire Telegraph can reveal Arsene Wenger tested Rovers’ resolve to keep hold of their prized asset with a £10million swoop before the close of the summer transfer window, which was met with a swift rejection.

Former Rovers boss Sam Allardyce stressed the importance of keeping Jones at Ewood, insisting his value would only increase in time, and the club’s board backed him.

Jones put pen to paper on a new five-year deal in May but sources close to the club fear new owners Venky’s would have been tempted to cash in on any serious interest next month.

Jones’ injury will stop bids coming in for him in January’s transfer window but his rehabilitation progress will still be being watched with interest.

He was an ever-present under Allardyce this season although was rested for West Ham’s visit to Ewood Park on Saturday for Steve Kean’s first match as caretaker boss.

Jones was also included in the preliminary squad for England’s friendly against France and was expected to make his senior international debut next year.

Jones has now undergone successful knee surgery, after landing awkwardly after appearing as a second half substitute at the weekend, but is still unlikely to play much before the end of the season.

The 18-year-old tore a cartilage after coming off the bench in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League draw with West Ham at Ewood Park.

Rovers doctor Phil Batty said: “Phil Jones had keyhole surgery yesterday to repair the tear to his cartilage. The operation went successfully.

”The rest of the knee looks fine and he’ll now begin his rehab which should be three to four months.”